Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh says the FSC is seeking joint venture schemes to help fix the corporation’s financial problems.

Mr Singh said to take the corporation out of the legacy of the financial mess it’s in, must take workable solutions.

“We all know about the finances of FSC that is struggling to come out of the legacy financial mess of over $400m in debt accumulated over the last 16 years, but we need to find workable solutions to generate income for the company,” said Mr Singh.

“To address the FSC financial constraints, we are looking for joint venture schemes.

“We will soon go into discussions with the FNPF and Fijian Holdings Ltd for possible business models whereby the investors and FSC will partner to develop properties for various purposes such as for hospitality, medical, retirement and light commercial sectors.”

Mr Singh said the sugar industry would remain an important contributor to Fiji’s economy.

“The sugar industry is here to stay, and we will make it better, bigger, modern and mechanised.

“And we have demonstrated this by paying the farmers the highest ever in cane proceeds of $91.38 per tonne for the last season.

“No other government has done this, and we have not short-changed our farmers.”