Fiji is keen to learn from the experience and success of Mauritius sugar industry - Singh

Fiji is keen to learn from the experience and success of the Mauritius sugar industry, especially in areas of power co-generation, ethanol production and production of refined sugar.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Sugar Industry Charan Jeet Singh during a courtesy visit to the President of the Republic of Mauritius Prithvirajsing Roopun, at the State House in Réduit, Mauritius.

Singh relayed many similarities between the two countries that share historical traditions and cultures from the Girmit era where discussions revolved around reviving the sugar industry where challenges were common between the two countries.

The minister says pressing issues affecting the sugar industry such as climate change and its impact, shortage of labor, aging growers, and lack of interest in cane farming by youths are some of the topics discussed in this meeting.

Meanwhile, the President of Mauritius, commended Fiji’s lead in advocating the impacts of climate change in the region emphasizing that small-state developing countries, such as Fiji and Mauritius need to work together with other developing states to fight out carbon emissions and larger emitters.

Singh also extended an invitation on behalf of the President to President Roopun to visit Fiji in the near future.

After meeting with the President the Sugar Minister also met the Minister of Arts and Cultural Heritage Avinash Teeluck, in Port-Louis, Mauritius as the meeting surrounded matters on the Indentured Labour Route project, promotion of Bhojpuri and Hindi language, and the preservation of cultural and heritage sites.

Mauritius and Fiji have common beliefs and traditions, and share many similarities in terms of their history and cultural heritage. The program of this visit to Mauritius also includes courtesy calls to the Offices of the Prime Minister of Mauritius, the Minister of Agro-Industry and Food Security, the Minister for Transport, Light Rail, Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade.

Singh will also make site visits to sugar industry institutions, sugar refineries and distilleries in Mauritius.