Fiji is set to bolster its agriculture sector through enhanced collaboration with Malaysia, focusing on technology transfer and capacity building. This initiative was announced by Minister for Agriculture Tomasi Tunabuna after a productive meeting with the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Andrew Tukana, representatives from the Malaysian Embassy, and Fiji’s Ambassador to Malaysia. The meeting highlighted several areas where Malaysia could support Fiji’s agricultural growth.
Minister Tunabuna noted the shared foundation in primary sector economies between the two nations, which positions agriculture as a crucial sector for both countries. He pointed out their similar climatic conditions and crop varieties, which foster valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange. “Agriculture is also a significant contributor to the economy of Malaysia. We have previously learned a lot due to our similarities,” Tunabuna commented, acknowledging Malaysia’s considerable expertise in commercial agriculture.
The Minister recalled the advantages Fiji has previously gained from utilizing Malaysian cooperative models and funding systems, which have effectively strengthened Malaysia’s agricultural framework. Looking to the future, Tunabuna expressed a keen interest in adopting technology-driven practices from Malaysia to modernize agriculture in Fiji.
Capacity building emerged as a central theme in their discussions, with past collaborations fostering staff exchanges and training initiatives. Fijian officials have also attended agricultural studies at Malaysian universities to enrich local expertise.
Tunabuna reaffirmed his dedication to ongoing engagement that aims to enhance productivity, empower farmer organizations, and foster sustainable growth within Fiji’s agricultural sector. This partnership could serve as a promising avenue for Fiji to harness Malaysian knowledge, driving significant advancements in its agricultural development and ensuring long-term success for its farmers.