THE Agriculture Mini Trade Forum is expected to be an annual event for the Agricultural Ministry after it successfully hosted its inaugural forum at the Novotel in Lami.
According to the ministry’s deputy permanent secretary, Tekini Nakidakida, the Mini Trade Forum was initially scheduled for June but since the passing of the late minister Vatimi Rayalu, it had to be postponed.
“All that was a challenge in itself, trying to put together this event but we are thankful that the ministry is in collaboration with New Zealand’s Primary Industry Ministry, Pacific Trade Invest and PHAMA plus.
“Those were the funding sources for gathering farmers, processors, exporters and also our partners from New Zealand,” Mr Nakidakida said.
“The mini trade forum was to bring our importers from New Zealand come here and talk directly with the farmers that can help the farmers understand what is needed in New Zealand, so that we can prepare better, instead of producing and then look for market later.
“We will also be preparing formal submissions to the Ministry of Finance regarding what was raised here today and our proposed solutions as an outcome from the forum for Government’s consideration,” he said.
He said the forum will also be held this week in the Western Division.
Closing the forum, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad acknowledged the turnup at the gathering.
He said the Ministry of Finance looked forward to viewing the results of the first Agriculture Mini Trade Forum and that he would ensure concerns and issues raised were met by Government.
