THERE is a large market for the production of coconut byproducts for local consumption, says FRIEND Fiji founder and director Sashi Kiran.
While speaking at the University of the South Pacific economic update in Lautoka, Ms Kiran said the country was still importing a large amount of coconut products.
“We just came back from Lau and what we saw there is an abundance of coconuts.
“And yet we import all of our desiccated coconuts from Asia,” she said.
“We import coconut flour from Asia and there is a huge market for coconut flour within Fiji.”
She said access to market and infrastructure were issues faced by maritime clients.
Ms Kiran said there was a need for the maritime areas to be allowed more access through improved shipping services.
