Kava on the table in trade talks
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.”