The Fiji Ports Corporation Limited has invested $8.2 million in the upgrade of the container yard at the Lautoka Port that will increase the ability of the Port to store up to about 1,260 containers.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Commerce and Trade, Shaheen Ali says even though maritime trade has been affected due to the pandemic, our ocean has been the pathway between Fiji and the world.
He says while flying is restricted for international passengers and tourists, the seaports remain open in providing the vital link to the rest of the world.
Ali adds the container yard will be elevated so that operations are not affected during high tide and heavy rain.
He adds that when the project is complete, it will not only increase container storage capacity but will extend yard’s service life to 30 years.
The Permanent Secretary also adds that this development will also help in meeting health and biosecurity standards of Fiji’s trading partners such as Australia and New Zealand and this ensures containers are not intercepted in these countries and will be cleared quicker, saving a lot of cost and hassle for the private sector.
China Railway First Group Limited have been given the contract for the development of the yard.
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