FIJI and the European Union reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen trade relations during a bilateral meeting, held in the margins of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) Trade Committee Meetings in Brussels this week.
Discussions focused on tariff liberalisation, global sourcing for fisheries, IEPA ratification, and support for Fiji’s sugar industry, according to a statement from the Fiji Government.
Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications Shaheen Ali led Fiji’s participation while the EU side was led by Christina Miranda Gozalvez, Head of ACP, in the Directorate General for Trade, European Commission.
“The permanent secretary updated the EU on the implementation of its Market Access Commitments (MAC) under the IEPA, following Cabinet approval in August 2024,” the Government stated.
“The Fiji Government is working closely with relevant agencies to ensure a smooth rollout of tariff adjustments and called for continued EU support in raising awareness among Fijian businesses and enhancing capacity-building efforts for exporters.
“Permanent Secretary Ali also reported progress on activating global sourcing provisions, which provides additional flexibility in the IEPA for processed fish exports.
“Fiji plans to submit the necessary notification to the European Commission by mid-March 2025.
“This is a requirement under the Agreement and the EU side’s acceptance and facilitation was requested.”
Fiji, according to the statement, reaffirmed its commitment to the IEPA and emphasised the need to resolve outstanding issues and fulfil necessary domestic steps before parliamentary ratification is sought.
“Fiji is looking forward to technical discussions with the EU to ensure the agreement aligns with Fiji’s long-term development
“Fiji also provided an update on the sugar industry and urged the EU to partner with Fiji in the industry’s transformation, as a key stakeholder.
“Given the ongoing challenges such as climate change, rising production costs, and infrastructure needs, permanent secretary Ali emphasised that renewed EU assistance would be instrumental in ensuring the industry’s move towards diversification, sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.
“Sugar along with commodities like fish could become a success story under the IEPA.
The EU, according to Government, also relayed its plans for the new regional development programme focused on promotion and marketing.
“Under this programme, the EU plans to contribute to Fiji’s trade policy development and building capacity of MSMEs in accessing the EU market, including addressing pragmatic issues such as supply chain management, freight and shipping cost and border management.
“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued engagement to ensure that trade remains a catalyst for sustainable and inclusive economic growth in the Pacific.”
