AUSTRALIA ACCEPTS FIJIAN BREADFRUIT

Breadfruit can be exported from Fiji to Australia.

This also include other vegetables such as capsicums and chillies being worked through the processes of being on the list too.

Australia’s Assistant Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Mark Coulton made the announcement on Friday.

Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism, Lands and Mineral Resources, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya, welcomed the announcement, saying ‘this is another sign of the strengthening economic relationship between Australia and Fiji.”

Mr Coulton said: “I come from an agricultural region, myself in Australia and I understand the importance of trade and export for farmers and I also understand that that is very important here.

“There are some other products that we are working through the protocols as well as around the guidelines of bio security for both our countries.

He said he would like to see an open exchange of trade in all aspects, agriculture included.

Mr Coulton said he could not ascertain the quota amount for the export of breadfruit adding “a lot of the trade things do come with the quota and I can’t speak with authority on the breadfruit one.”

He said he had had discussions with Mr Koya that was of mutual interest to both countries.

“It’s obviously a lead nation in the Pacific and I personally believe that the relationships with our neighbors, not only with trade but defense and security are very important and I am very pleased that the relationship between Australia and Fiji is very strong at the moment.

“Obviously there is an election going on here and we will be facing one in Australia next year and I was very pleased that Minister Koya could take time of his busy schedule to come and spend some considerable time not only speaking with the delegates this morning but also having a meeting with myself.”

During the forum, the two ministers met to discuss further opportunities for increasing trade and investment links.

Mr Coulton said “our trade, tourism and investment relationship with Fiji is a priority for the Australian Government.

“We have supported eight trade missions to Fiji over the past four years, involving more than 100 businesses.”

Mr Coulton attended the 24th Australia-Fiji Business Forum at the Fiji Marriot Resort Momi Bay on Friday.

His visit coincided with an Austrade trade delegation to Fiji to scope business and investment opportunities.