Fijian Government receives fertiliser donation from China
FIJI and China’s long standing bilateral relations was further strengthened following the timely assistance of another 720 tonnes of fertilizers from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the Fijian Government in Lautoka.
This tonnage of Ammonium Sulphate will allow the South Pacific Fertilizer PTE Limited (SPFL) to blend and produce Blend C fertiliser that will benefit not only the 12,000 sugarcane growers but other non-sugar agriculture farmers.
Whilst delivering his official remarks at the event, Office of the Prime Minister and Sugar Industry’s permanent secretary, Yogesh Karan, said that Fiji and China’s relationship continues to gain strength, benefitting the development and growth of Fiji’s economy as well as the livelihoods of the Fijian people over the years.
He highlighted that the assistance was not the first from China, adding it has come at the right time, given the hike in world fertiliser prices post COVID and the challenges inflicted by the RussiaUkraine war.
“The timely donation by China is aiding the efforts of the Government of Fiji in ensuring the consistent supply of fertiliser for our growers,” Mr Karan said.
“I extend our sincere appreciation to the People’s Republic of China. Your contribution will support the growth of Fiji’s Agriculture sector and ultimately, the progress of Fiji’s economy especially, during this challenging times.
“This donation will also support the objective of ensuring food security. We are looking forward for more cooperation between Fiji and China, particularly in areas of agriculture.”
China’s Ambassador to Fiji, Qian Bo said that Fiji and China are “all weather friends” and the donation was a reflection of the proverb that a friend in need is a friend indeed.
As the largest developing country in the world, Mr Bo said China is willing to turn its own growth into opportunities for Fiji and take concrete actions to promote Global Development Initiative to take root and bear fruit.
“China will support Fiji in its effort to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
SPFL chief executive officer, Ashween Ram, expressed gratitude to the Government of China for its unwavering support over the years and to the Fijian Government for always supporting the key objectives of the organisation.
He said the fertiliser will be blended and supplied to the farmers.