Charan Jeath Singh, Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, is currently participating in the 65th International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council Meeting and the 33rd ISO Seminar taking place in London. During this event, he took the opportunity to engage with several international companies, aiming to bolster the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) presence in the global market.
One significant meeting was with directors from Tate and Lyle, a part of the American Sugar Refinery (ASR) Group. Their discussions concentrated on the importance of sustainability in global markets, which is increasingly becoming a key requirement for companies operating internationally. This topic resonates deeply with Fiji’s sugar industry, particularly given Tate and Lyle’s historical significance as the largest importer of Fijian sugar during the era of favorable pricing agreements with the European Union (EU).
Singh recognized Tate and Lyle’s critical role in supporting Fiji’s sugar sector, especially highlighting the advantages that grapevine farmers experienced when guaranteed market prices under the EU Sugar Protocol were still in place. He expressed Fiji’s eagerness to re-establish ties with Tate and Lyle, provided that this partnership aligns the interests of sugarcane farmers with sustainability objectives.
“The time is ripe for Fiji to reclaim its position in the sugar market, particularly after the challenging shift following the end of preferential pricing. Engaging with partners like Tate and Lyle can be pivotal for our recovery,” Singh stated. The directors from Tate and Lyle shared valuable insights into the market and strategies needed for resilience in the increasingly competitive landscape of the global sugar industry.
This year’s ISO Seminar centers around the theme of “Sustainable Solutions for Sugar & Energy,” underscoring the industry’s commitment to adapting for a more sustainable future.
In summary, this participation and proactive approach from Fiji’s minister presents a hopeful outlook for the Fiji Sugar Corporation, indicating a strategic move to return to its former prominence in the sugar market while embracing sustainability. Achieving this goal could reinforce economic stability and support the livelihoods of local sugarcane farmers.
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