Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica highlighted the significant potential of Fiji’s kava industry, projecting it to develop into a billion-dollar sector in the future. During his Ministerial Statement, Kamikamica emphasized the need for Fiji to comply with United States Food and Drug Administration standards and import regulations to enhance kava exports, which would help generate more jobs and create wealth in the country.
The Minister expressed that the ongoing Business Mission supports the Kava Bill, aimed at protecting the kava industry while establishing quality and food safety standards. In response, Opposition MP Faiyaz Koya noted that a majority of kava produced in Fiji is consumed domestically, with only 8% being exported. He mentioned that if there is a demonstrated demand for increased kava exports, Fiji could potentially earn significant revenue in North America and called for an expansion of trade with Canada, where the e-commerce sector is growing.