FIJI is actively tapping into the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom(UK) markets to export local products as part of its aggressive approach to opening new export opportunities.
Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica said in Parliament last week kava was a commodity government was trying to push into the two major markets.
“We are interacting actively with the European Union, the Government of Australia and also the United Kingdom, to see whether we can allow the commercial export of kava, particularly into the EU and UK,” he said.
“With Australia, we are, on a temporary basis trading into Australia and we are hoping that that can be finalised soon.
“Of course, as I have said, in terms of commercial agriculture, FIJI Water is beginning their commercial agricultural initiatives in Fiji, a couple of other large investment announcements to be made this year and we are now focusing as well on commercial aquaculture.
“In order for us to actually genuinely trade externally, we need to have broader offerings from Fiji,” Mr Kamikamica said.
He said Fiji’s Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (with the EU) reached a positive milestone recently.
“This House will recall that I spoke here about the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union and the need to secure global sourcing derogation to allow seafood processors to source from other nations around the Pacific and then export under preferential arrangements.
“That is now approved.
“So, potentially, PAFCO, which I understand has about 40 percent of excess capacity or idle capacity, can use that capacity to start exports into the EU as soon as we find market partners.”
Mr Kamikamica also revealed that a major investor forum would be held in September in Denarau that will bring together 200 businesses and potential investors from the EU and French Territories of New Caledonia and Tahiti to engage local businesses.
“That will genuinely create opportunity to diversify trade.
“This has only happened because of the deepening engagement that this side of the House has started with the European Union.”