Charan Jeath Singh, the Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, is currently participating in the 65th International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council Meeting and the 33rd ISO Seminar in London.
On the sidelines of the seminar, Singh engaged with several international companies to bolster the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) presence in the global market. A significant meeting took place with Tate and Lyle, a division of the American Sugar Refinery (ASR) Group. The focus of their discussions was on sustainable practices in the global market, which have become essential for competitiveness and compliance in today’s trade landscape.
The historical context of this meeting is noteworthy, as Tate & Lyle was once Fiji’s largest sugar importer during the era of favorable pricing agreements with the European Union (EU). Singh expressed gratitude for the crucial role Tate & Lyle played in the past, emphasizing the advantages Fiji reaped from the stable market price of sugar under the EU Sugar Protocol.
During their discussions, Singh stressed Fiji’s desire to rekindle and strengthen ties with Tate & Lyle, emphasizing a commitment to practices that benefit sugarcane farmers and align with sustainability objectives. “Tate & Lyle were once the largest importers of Fiji Sugar, back when the EU market guaranteed us favorable prices. The end of preferential pricing impacted us negatively, but now is the time for Fiji to reclaim its position,” Singh remarked.
The directors of Tate & Lyle responded by sharing valuable market insights and strategies for resilience in the increasingly competitive sugar industry. The theme for this year’s ISO Seminar is ‘Sustainable Solutions for Sugar & Energy,’ underscoring the pressing need for innovation and eco-friendly practices in the sector.
This meeting reflects a hopeful resurgence for Fiji’s sugar industry, highlighting a collaborative approach to recovery and sustainability. By re-establishing connections with global players like Tate & Lyle, Fiji seems poised to enhance its competitive edge in the sugar market while ensuring the welfare of its farmers.
Summary: Charan Jeath Singh, Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, is in London for the ISO Council Meeting and Seminar, where he is forging stronger ties with international companies, notably Tate & Lyle, to boost Fiji’s sugar industry. Emphasizing sustainability and historical partnerships, Singh aims to revitalize Fiji’s position in the global sugar market.
Leave a comment