Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica has emphasized the significant potential within Fiji’s future billion-dollar kava industry. In his Ministerial Statement, Kamikamica highlighted the importance of ensuring that kava exports to the United States comply with Food and Drug Administration regulations, which would aid in creating more jobs and wealth in Fiji.
Kamikamica expressed optimism that Fiji’s kava industry could evolve into a billion-dollar sector. He mentioned that recent Business Mission efforts aim to advance the Kava Bill, which seeks to protect the kava industry while establishing quality and food safety standards for kava produced in Fiji.
In response to the Ministerial Statement, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya pointed out that the majority of Fiji’s kava is consumed domestically, with only eight percent being exported. Koya noted that if there is an increasing need for the export of kava, Fiji could potentially generate significant revenue in the North American market. He also emphasized the necessity for Fiji to enhance its trade relations with Canada, particularly in light of the country’s expanding e-commerce sector.