1. Fiji-India Business Council Update Swani K Maharaj President, Fiji-India Business Council 24 October 2015 Nadi Chamber of Commerce

2.  The Fiji India Business council AGM was held at Tanoa Waterfront Hotel Lautoka. The Minister for Agriculture, Honorable Inia Seruiratu, was the keynote speaker. Theme of the meeting was “Commercial Farming in Fiji”.  FIBC highlighted  agricultural production in Fiji has been neglected.  Especially commercial farming - has not gained recognition for its contribution to the national economy through the export of vegetable and fruit produce. Introduction

3.  Government - through FNU  initiative to train and assist commercial farmers. However  very little progress has been made so far.  first lot of commercial farmers graduated  contribution is not visible  Implementation of project very slow Background

4.  Fji - Australia and New Zealand: biosecurity bilateral agreements in place  Fiji - good position to increase export of fruit and vegetables  Opportunity for higher export earnings - can only be optimized by improvement in the sector.  PICS meeting in India – India assured PICS of assistance and support on Climate Change  FIBC: Fiji can draw upon and expand this goodwill and collaboration to include Commercial Farming.  India - leading producer of food fresh and processed food  FIBC – Fiji should obtain Indian expertise and mentoring commercial farmers.  Boost production and export of okra, bhaji, eggplant, etc. both in the fresh and processed forms. Vegetables

5.  Fiji - variety of indigenous and non-indigenous fruit that thrive in its climate and soil.  But the only organized fruit growing - pawpaw, pineapple and banana.  Can easily expand - include mango, guava, custard apple, chikoo, and pomegranate.  Huge market for seedless guavas in Australia and New Zealand.  India has very good varieties of guava  available all year round.  Guava orchards and year-round availability would also benefit the local population nutritionally – gauava is relatively inexpensive.  Pacific Organic and Ethical Trade Community –  reduction in local agricultural produce was declining due to Climate Change  loss of nutritional farm produce results in increased expenditure on public health. Orchards

6.  India - successful pioneer of hybrids.  Fiji - tap Indian expertise  develop small-sized hybrids of local fruit trees  through collaboration with FNU to develop hybrid mangos, guavas, pomegranate which are very popular and have many health benefits.  Backyard gardens  Niche market crop for export  added opportunity for commercial farmers graduates from FNU.  FIBC is in the Process of approaching the PM through Hon. Inia Seruiratu, Minister for Agriculture, to facilitate this through Fiji government. Hybrids

7.  FIBC - sees opportunity for Fiji to develop own hybrid of ‘bale prawns' through assistance from India.  Benefits - Malaysian prawns which have large heads and less flesh as compared to Bale prawns.   This is a dream project and an important goal for FIBC to develop this hybrid variety  economically empower every i’Taukei village in Fiji  enhance protein rich foods amongst those in the lowest economic rung. Prawns

8.  Duty on sarees, salwar kameez and other Indian wear and accessories is excessively high.  colonial administration’s negative targeting of Indian clothes has not been revisited.  FIBC will take this up with government as it may be viewed as discriminatory.  Thank you High duty on Indian goods