A significant proposal for a feasibility study regarding the Fiji Meats Industry Board Abattoir has been put forward, focusing on opportunities for upgrading, expanding, or potentially relocating the current facilities. The Permanent Secretary for Agriculture, Dr. Andrew Tukana, recently met with a delegation from the Fiji Meat Industry Board to discuss this initiative.
Scott Robinson, a consultant from Response Group International, based in Australia, presented the feasibility study, which aims to identify the most commercially viable option for the abattoir. Key objectives include ensuring compliance with Australian standards, improving profitability, and boosting the quality and supply of meat products in the market.
Robinson emphasized the importance of incorporating a modern Integrated Training Facility within the abattoir upgrade plans. This facility is designed to enhance the skills of meat workers, preparing them for employment opportunities both in Fiji and abroad. Addressing the skilled labor shortage in the meat sector, which is a challenge for Fiji and other Pacific Island nations, this initiative not only seeks to strengthen the industry but also aims to contribute positively to the region’s economic development.
With this proposal, there lies a hopeful potential to elevate the meat industry standards in Fiji and provide valuable training for workers, creating a more sustainable sector in the long run. Such investments signal a commitment to improving local industries while also fostering international market competitiveness.
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