Fiji is keenly focused on enhancing its kava trade relations with Tonga, aiming to start importing fresh kava from Vava’u in August. Former MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu announced during a government press briefing following the Fiji-Tonga Business Mission in Nuku’alofa that the Fijian company ‘Green Gold Kava’ is interested in sourcing kava from Vava’u, with a proposed purchase price of $200 (US$83) per kilogram.
However, Lavulavu expressed concerns that the current cultivation of kava in Tonga—spread over hundreds of acres—might not suffice to consistently satisfy the demands from Fiji in the long term. He urged a reassessment of strategies, suggesting that Tonga should directly access markets instead of relying on Fiji as an intermediary. The 2019 Kava Bill should also be reviewed to ensure that Tongan farmers gain maximum benefit from their produce.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Manoa Kamikamica, who led the Fijian delegation, reiterated the country’s openness to trade, particularly in premium agricultural products, thereby encouraging collaboration with Tonga. In light of this, Tonga’s Minister for Public Enterprises, Paula Piukala, proposed the idea of repurposing shipping assets to facilitate enhanced trade with Fiji, particularly for agricultural exports.
Amidst these developments, Lavulavu cautioned that any prospective kava agreement should carefully address supply constraints to avoid future complications. Prime Minister Dr. ‘Aisake Eke further committed to bolstering the private sector in Tonga’s forthcoming budget, though specific details regarding how this support will impact the kava industry remain unclear.
A cautious yet optimistic outlook has emerged, emphasizing the potential for economic growth through collaborative efforts between Tonga and Fiji, even as both nations navigate the logistics and realities of kava supply. The ongoing discussions reflect a broader aspiration to invest in sustainable agriculture, thereby enhancing the traditional sector’s resilience and value in the region.
The impending partnership embodies hope for cultivating not just kava but a stronger economic bond between the two nations, offering new avenues for farmers and businesses alike to thrive in the global market.
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