Ship building industry

Revival will soon take shape, says Rabuka

THE revival of Fiji’s ship building industry will soon take shape with government spearheading efforts to upgrade port infrastructures across the country.

In Parliament, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka highlighted the steps being taken by government as it prepares to sign an agreement with Australia on port infrastructure and services.

“Most members would be aware that the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the Port Infrastructure and Services comes under the umbrella of the elevated Vuvale Partnership which was a great initiative continued by the FijiFirst government and we have decided to continue with that,” said Mr Rabuka.

“The development and management of key infrastructure, in particular Fiji ports, is of utmost importance in light of the broader implications on connectivity, security and prosperity and is therefore considered central to Fiji’s sovereignty.

“The MOU also implements the People’s Coalition Government’s commitment to revive the shipbuilding industry which also includes include shipwreck and maintenance.”

He said in light of the ongoing geo-political competitions, the upgrading of Fiji’s ports was in line with the Zone of Peace concept that government had proposed as a vision for the region.

“The MOU outlines the framework for the preparation of proposed life investments into Fiji’s port infrastructure and services as managed by the Fiji Ports Corporation Ltd (FPCL).

“The FPCL manages the ports of Suva, Lautoka, Levuka, Vuda, Malau, Rotuma and Wairiki.”

He said the MOU came under the Australian Infrastructure Funding Facility (AIFF).

“The development of Fiji Ports will provide the necessary impetus to strengthen the local shipbuilding industry.

“Due consideration will also be given to skills development, with the aim to see bene ts to the local industry.”

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu says Fiji’s efforts to revive the shipping industry must be expedited.

“It is important for us as a maritime nation, the shing industry has a lot of potential in terms of the services and even the Naval boats,” he said.

“We have been in discussion with Australia if this can be serviced here in Fiji rather than the half-life re t and others to be taken to Australia.”