High demand in Asian countries adds to benefits for local suppliers, assists North economic growth
MINFO NEWS
LABASA
Local suppliers of the lucrative beche-de-mer business on Vanua Levu have been paid $25 million within the past three years by Gold Hold Sea Food Limited of Labasa.
The interesting revelation came from divisional fisheries officer North¬ern Joji Vakawaletabua and was confirmed by Richard Du of Gold Hold Limited of Labasa.
Mr Vakawaletabua said a lot of families in the North improved their standard of living by selling beach-de-mer to Gold Hold.
“Of course there is the trickledown effect that benefitted the local super¬market, village stores, carries drivers and others,” he said.
“The high demand for beche-de-mer and the availability of buyers like Gold Hold has helped in the eradication of poverty, one of the pillars of the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress”
Mr Du said fisherman from 206 villages in Vanua Levu sold beche-de-mer to the company which generates wealth for their families and grows the economy of the Northern Division.
“The high demand for beche-de-mer in Asian countries has benefited local suppliers in these villages on Vanua Levu raking in good money,” Mr Du said.
“We buy 20 different types of beche-de-mer giving a lot of options to suppliers.
“The prices we pay local fishermen are very attractive and have encour¬aged high constant supply.”
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