Fiji gets ready for the EU sugar access to come to an end in 2017

The Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar says we need a holistic approach to resolve issues in the sugar industry as Fiji will lose the current access to the European Union in 2017.

Voreqe Bainimarama made these comments while opening the workshop for Government Agencies on the Sugar Cane Industry Action Plan 2013‑2017 and Industry Reforms at Training and Workforce Development Division at PSC in Nasese.

Bainimarama stressed that we have only 29 months before the EU sugar quota expires on the 1st of October 2017.

He says six priority groups in the industry need to be revamped in the lead up to 2017.

Bainimarama adds the issues on the domestic front needs to be urgently addressed so that the cost of farming and milling can be controlled.

Meanwhile, European Union Deputy Head of Delegation Johnny Hanssen says they will continue their development assistance towards Fiji’s sugar industry.

The Prime Minister has thanked the EU for their input as well as their assistance to help Fiji through this extremely testing transition.