Fiji’s fish processing industry has gained significant momentum following the European Union’s (EU) recent decision to grant duty-free access for locally processed fishery products under the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA). This decision, confirmed by the Ministry of Trade, enables processed fish products such as tuna loins and canned fish, derived from imported raw fish and manufactured in Fiji, to qualify as originating products, which took effect on July 31, 2025.
The approval comes after the Fijian Government submitted a formal request in April 2025, supported by comprehensive documentation and collaboration with industry stakeholders. This critical change allows Fiji to source raw fish from a wider range of foreign-flagged vessels, provided that the fish is processed domestically before export to the EU.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Hon. Manoa Kamikamica, heralded this decision as a transformative milestone for Fiji’s fisheries sector, stating that it opens up new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth. This strategic move positions Fiji to become a key regional hub for high-value seafood production.
The context of this development can be tied back to Fiji’s ongoing discussions with EU representatives about maximizing the benefits of the IEPA, specifically through the Global Sourcing provision, which allows for importing eligible raw materials from other countries for local processing. Previous dialogues emphasized this provision’s potential to enhance local employment and economic growth, particularly in coastal communities reliant on fishing.
Moreover, Fiji aims to replicate the successes of similar efforts by other Pacific nations, like Papua New Guinea, to leverage this favorable trading position within the EU market. The country is optimistic about the sustainable growth possibilities within its fisheries sector as it embraces this unique opportunity from the EU.
Overall, Fiji’s proactive approach to enhancing its fish processing industry is hopeful and indicative of the potential for sustainable economic development and strengthening trade relations with the EU.
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