The Fiji Times

Kava on the table in trade talks

- By DIONISIA TABUREGUCI

KAVA is on the table as trade talks between Fiji and the European Union resume under the Interim Economic Partnershi­p Agreement (IEPA).

This was part of discussion­s held this week between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica and the head of delegation of the European Union to the Pacific ambassador Barbara Plinkert.

The Trade Ministry issued a statement saying the conversati­on “extended to broader trade and economic cooperatio­n, including deliberati­ons on the future trajectory of Fiji’s kava industry growth.”

“A roundtable discussion concerning Kava market access, is scheduled for 9 February 2024,” it stated.

“These engagement­s underscore Fiji-EU commitment to fostering collaborat­ive relationsh­ips and exploring avenues for mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperatio­n.”

The friendly meeting between the parties focused on preparatio­ns for the upcoming Trade Committee meeting of the IEPA parties in Apia, Samoa, scheduled for February 6-7, 2024.

“In the course of discussion­s, ambassador Plinkert shed light on the Samoa Agreement, the comprehens­ive framework governing EU relations with African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries,” the ministry stated.

“This agreement serves as a successor to the Cotonou agreement adopted in 2000, designed to replace the 1975 Lomé Convention, and was initially concluded for a 20-year period.

“Anticipati­ng a proactive approach, there are plans to intensify activities on a trade and investment forum, encompassi­ng various trade and economic cooperatio­n aspects.”

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 ?? Picture: SUPPLIED ?? Head of delegation of the European Union to the Pacific ambassador Barbara Plinkert, right, paid a courtesy call to Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica this week.
Picture: SUPPLIED Head of delegation of the European Union to the Pacific ambassador Barbara Plinkert, right, paid a courtesy call to Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica this week.

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