Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Senator Zed Seselja says kava producers in Fiji could be benefiting from a new commercial opportunity that would be trialed in December this year.
After being traditionally welcomed in Nadi yesterday, he said some legislation changes would be made by the Australian Government to allow more kava exports from the Pacific.
“I had the opportunity with some of our Pacific community in Canberra recently to have kava and we are changing some of the rules in Australia so that people can bring more kava into Australia from Fiji and other parts of the Pacific,” he said.
“Indeed, we are starting a commercial trial in December so there is going to be more kava in Australia as well and I know that is going to be bringing more smiles to the faces of many of our Pacific community in Australia.”
The minister, who is in the country for his first official visit, also highlighted the need for collaboration after the devastating impact of COVID-19 on both Australia and Fiji and the rest of the world.
“We hope, as Australians, in these difficult times that we will be coming together as Fiji and people around the world have been dealing with the challenges of COVID.
“The people of Fiji have been in our hearts and our prime minister has talked about many times our Fijian vuvale and remembering that we are on this earth together and we look to share the good times and the bad.
“There have been bad times recently, but we have great hope for the times ahead and we would like to commend the people of Fiji for the way you have come through these great challenges.”
Senator Seselja will be touring parts of Lautoka today before travelling to Suva.
