Kubuabola welcomes EU extension of trade agreements

Foreign Affairs Minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has welcomed the decision of the European Union extending its trade agreements with Fiji and Papua New Guinea following a vote by members of the EU Parliament.

The Interim Economic Partnership would further increase the economic opportunities and in turn enhance the strong bilateral relations Fiji has with the European Union.

Ratu Kubuabola reiterated the importance of the agreement to the survival of the Fiji Sugar Industry.

He hoped that after 2015, the agricultural reforms undertaken by the European Union will ensure that the interest of Fiji and other ACP Sugar producers will be maintained in the European Union market.

Ratu Kubuabola is also positive regarding the future development of Fiji's fisheries industry and fish exports under the agreement.
 
The Interim Economic Partnership Agreement was initialed by Fiji and PNG in 2007, in order to ensure that preferential exports of Sugar and Fish, respectively, into the European Union market continue after the expiry of the trade preferences.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa