Fiji to trial direct exports to Tuvalu
Updated
Farmers in the Fiji province of Rotuma are hoping to begin direct exports to Tuvalu before the end of the year.
The permanent secretary of Tuvalu's Department of Communication, Transport and Tourism, Falefou Tapugao, says a shortage of good farming land, combined with climate change means the country relies on imports for its food staples, which include sweet potato, taro, cassava, and yam.
Our Pacific correspondent, Campbell Cooney, says Fiji is already a major supplier of product, but all its exports currently come from either Suva or Lautoka.
But a new agreement means the Rotuma Island group, which borders Tuvalu, is now recognised as an international port, allowing its use for exports, which would mean a major reduction in shipping costs.
Trade and biodiversity adviser for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Sidney Suma, says while there is still no customs or quarantine infrastructure on Rotuma, they will soon be trialing shipments between the two countries.
He says he believes that will happen before the end of the year.
A team from Tuvalu and the SPC are in Rotuma this week.
