The idea of possibly exporting marijuana for medicinal purposes as an alternative to earn export funds has been recommended during the round table discussions held at University of Fiji in Saweni.
Fiji’s National Development Plan post-COVID-19 has been organized by Uni Fiji and had academics and stakeholders from the private sector taking part in it. While speaking after the discussions, the Acting Vice Chancellor for Uni Fiji Professor Shaista Shameem says it is not about people going into the dope industry but it is marijuana for medicinal purposes which is a big industry in the world.
She says another suggestion was to look at sustainable agriculture and local industries to assist in economic growth.
Shameem adds another issue that was raised was why we are importing spices.
She says the discussions also focused on how Fiji can revise its 5 year and 20 year national development plans.
Shameem says the current plan was devised before COVID-19 adding that we should look at the plan now and see whether it is fit for purpose.
Uni Fiji Professor Tupeni Baba says Fiji has not really exploited the market for kava as there is a lot of demand for it overseas.
