The Minister for Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh is currently attending the 66th International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council Workshop and Meeting, in Costa Rica.
During the trip, Minister Singh has visited the facilities of La Liga Agrícola Industrial de la Caña de Azúcar (LAICA)—a leading institution in Costa Rica’s sugarcane industry.
“The purpose of the visit was to gain insights into how LAICA has successfully expanded its operations through the development of value-added sugar products, offering important lessons that could be adapted to strengthen Fiji’s sugar industry,” said a statement from the Sugar Ministry.
The Ministry added Minister Singh observed LAICA’s diverse product range, which includes brown sugar, white sugar, powdered sugar, liquid sugar, powdered drinks, energy drinks, and cake toppings—demonstrating a successful model of value-addition and market diversification.
“The Minister expressed keen interest in replicating similar models in Fiji, where the sugar industry remains vital to the economy and the livelihoods of many rural communities.”
“He added that the insights gained from LAICA’s operation will contribute to ongoing efforts to enhance productivity, innovation, and sustainability within Fiji’s sugar sector.”
