FIJI is looking at ways to increase its tuna exports to the European Union (EU) under the Global Sourcing provision of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA) with the EU.
This follows a high-level trade meeting in Suva this week between permanent secretary for Trade Shaheen Ali, chairman of the Government cannery Pacific Fishing Company Pte Ltd (PAFCO) Mahmood Khan and its chief executive officer Saiyad Raiyum and the EU Delegation, led by chargé d’affaires Penalver Garcia and program manager Massimo Camassei.
“Discussions centred on how Fiji can strategically utilise the Global Sourcing provision to expand access for its tuna exports — particularly tuna loins and canned tuna products — into the EU market,” the Ministry of Trade said in a statement. “The meeting reinforced Fiji’s commitment to strengthening its fisheries sector and increasing the value of its exports through targeted international partnerships.”
According to the ministry, the Global Sourcing provision under the iEPA allows countries like Fiji to import qualifying raw materials, such as frozen tuna, from non-originating countries, process them locally, and still benefit from duty-free and quota-free access to the European market.
“By capitalising on the EU’s Global Sourcing mechanism, we are positioning Fiji to tap into one of the world’s most lucrative seafood markets while also promoting local employment, investment, and economic growth in coastal communities,” Mr Ali said.
PAFCO, a major player in Fiji’s tuna processing industry, said it was ready to align production processes with EU compliance standards.
“The EU delegation reaffirmed the EU’s support for enhancing Fiji’s trade capacity and promoting sustainable fisheries management,” the ministry stated.
“This strategic dialogue forms part of the Fijian Government’s broader commitment to diversifying its exports, empowering MSMEs, and building a resilient and competitive blue economy that contributes to Fiji’s sustainable development goals.”