Grant for new cane growers
MoU strengthens border management
IN order to entice new cane growers, a new government grant program was launched on Friday, which would enable first-time sugarcane farm buyers to obtain a loan of $7500 from the Sugar Cane Growers Fund (SCGF) at the rate of 2.99 per cent for first year.
The interest rate would thereafter be increased to six per cent with a total loan repayment term of 12 years.
“The government has allocated $2million grant from the current budget and out of which $1.5million is for lease renewal and $500,000 is for farm purchase and new farmer incentive,” said SCGF chief executive officer Raj Sharma.
He said from the $0.5 million, new farmers can come and apply for loan with them.
“Once the loan has been approved, they can apply of the government grant, where they can get 30 per cent of the cost of the farm or a maximum of $7500.
“Our loan term is 12 years for them to pay, so this new program is to basically entice new farmers to buy sugar cane land.”
ALMOST 80 per cent of global trade volume is facilitated by maritime transportation, making Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) a key partner in border management.
And efforts to strengthen this collaboration led to the signing yesterday of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and FPTL.
“Maritime transport accounts for almost 80 per cent of the global trade volumes. Hence, maritime stakeholders, including FPCL are FRCS’s key strategic partners in border management,” FRCS acting chief executive officer Malakai Naiyaga said in a statement announcing the MoU.
“Strengthening cooperation between FRCS and FPCL will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both FRCS and FPCL in facilitating and controlling the transportation and movement of goods across borders which are critical to the development of our national economy and for economic growth.
“Working together closely will enable FRCS and FPCL to ensure that necessary inspections and formalities are completed in a timely and efficient manner, and in protecting our major seaports from any breaches.
“Given the nature of our borders and resource challenges that we have, I cannot overstress the importance of effective collaboration amongst relevant agencies in our border protection. The signing of the MOU is a step forward towards that.”
Information exchange covered under the MOU include customs border data, advice on the technical aspects of collaborative operations and updates or changes to FRCS policies or laws from FRCS’ side.
FPCL in turn will share vessel schedules and details of FPCL-owned facilities, essential for FRCS to fulfill its border-related duties effectively.
FPCL also committed to supporting FRCS in terms of fostering partnerships and maintaining business continuity. The MOU was signed by Mr Naiyaga and FPCL chief executive officer Vajira Piyasena at the FRCS headquarters in Suva.