Two significant companies are gearing up to make investments in Fiji’s agriculture sector, as announced by Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica. During a meeting with business owners in Taveuni, he emphasized the importance of diversifying Fiji’s economy beyond its heavy reliance on tourism.
While the names of these companies remain undisclosed, Mr. Kamikamica highlighted a crucial objective of the government: to promote private sector investment while supporting smallholder farms within the supply chain. He explained that if a large company establishes a plantation, it could pave the way for smaller farms in regions suitable for those crops, boosting local supply and opening up export opportunities.
Additionally, the well-known local company FIJI Water is set to expand its commercial agriculture operations in the region, having already visited potential areas to explore opportunities. With successful implementation, this initiative could transform the agriculture sector by adopting commercial farming models akin to those used by other prominent businesses like Rooster and British American Tobacco. The Minister expressed hope that this model could be replicated for a variety of agricultural products.
This investment in agriculture not only aims to strengthen Fiji’s economy but also has the potential to create jobs and enhance food security, providing a positive outlook for the future of the agricultural sector in the nation. Encouraging private investment alongside support for local farmers could lead to sustainable growth and prosperity within the community.
In summary, the push for investment in agriculture demonstrates a proactive approach by the Fijian government to diversify its economy, creating opportunities for local farmers while reducing dependence on tourism.
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