RACHNA LAL
suva
Sugarcane being transported to the Lautoka Mill for processing. Photo: WAISEA NASOKIA
Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, notified his European Union (EU) counterpart, the Commissioner for Trade, informing him of the Fijian Government’s decision to go forward with the Interim EPA.
These necessary measures have been taken in order to ensure that preferential market access of Fiji’s most important exports—sugar, fish, garments and processed foods-to the EU will not be disrupted by a lapse in a trade agreement with the European Union.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said: “This is a significant action that preserves the favourable market conditions for the foundations of our export economy.
“The results are that thousands of Fijian jobs are protected and our economy will continue to grow at its fastest rate in years.”
Fiji’s objective in the trade negotiations with the EU has always been to conclude a long term, mutually beneficial and development friendly Comprehensive EPA, rather than a shorter term interim EPA.
Urgent priority
Despite this decision, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum stressed concluding the Comprehensive EPA, together with the rest of the Pacific ACP (African Caribbean Pacific) countries, remains an urgent priority.
“A major factor working toward building confidence and securing a comprehensive agreement are the reforms instituted by the Bainimarama Government,” he said.
“This is to revitalise and diversify the sugar industry, especially with regard to the improvements in the quality and productivity of Fijian sugar.”
The Bainimarama Government has invested heavily in the sugar industry, a vital sector of the economy that supports the livelihood of over 200,000 Fijians.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is expected to work with its EU counterparts to assure a smooth transition to the provisional application of the Interim EPA and guarantee that there are no disruptions to exports.
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