Our sugar production and exports, have been kneecapped by COVID-driven disruptions - PM

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says as we map out our economic recovery with hope for a COVID-19 vaccine in sight, we will lean on agriculture, and on the sugar industry, to help us rebuild.

While delivering his keynote address at the 57th Session of the International Sugar Organisation Council Virtual Meeting, Bainimarama says even though Fiji has been free from a single community case of COVID-19 for over 200 days now, the pandemic’s toll is being felt across all sectors of our economy, and the sugar industry is no exception.

He says while the world has been left reeling by the ongoing pandemic, the ISO and its members are faced with a year of unprecedented challenges for the sugar industry.

Bainimarama says many of our economies, and our sugar production and exports, have been kneecapped by COVID-driven disruptions.

He also highlighted that the present global coronavirus pandemic has affected all sectors of our economy.

The Prime Minister says global border restrictions, trade barriers and narrowed distribution channels have dealt a blow to the Fijian sugar exports.

Bainimarama says the inability to bring in technical experts from abroad only worsens the problem and all this comes on top of climate-induced obstacles like changes in rainfall patterns and salt water intrusion. He urged the member countries of the ISO to remain resolute in supporting cane farmers, harvesters, and all those who are the lifeblood of the sugar industry with creative solutions, from technology transfers to debt relief and the provision of more efficient and sustainable equipment.

Bainimarama says they come from all corners of the world to take part in these summits and they do it out of duty for the many thousands of sugarcane farmers and industry workers who depend on the vitality of sugar exports to sustain their livelihoods and fuel their economies.

Meanwhile, Fiji has been appointed as the Chair of the ISO Administrative Committee and is elected as the 2021 Vice Chair of the ISO Council during this 57th Session of ISO Council Meeting.