Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism Viliame Gavoka has publicly recognized India’s crucial role in bolstering Fiji’s sugar industry. He stressed that specialized local training is essential for enhancing productivity, adopting modern techniques, and ensuring high industry standards. Gavoka highlighted India’s commitment, noting that Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) experts have been deployed to the Fiji Sugar Corporation, offering valuable technical knowledge and capacity-building programs.
Expressing optimism for the future, Gavoka stated that such initiatives are expected to continually benefit farmers and foster the sustainability and growth of the sugar sector in Fiji. He emphasized the need for organized specialized training for Fijian sugar professionals to modernize practices within this vital industry.
Indian High Commissioner to Fiji, Suneet Mehta, echoed Gavoka’s sentiments by underscoring the importance of equipping Fiji’s youth with the skills necessary to enhance their educational and career opportunities. Mehta conveyed that the Declaration of Intent on Migration and Mobility Partnership aims to facilitate education, employment, and cultural exchanges between Fiji and India, reinforcing India’s commitment to empower Fijian human capital and foster a future rich in learning and mutual respect.
In a broader context, previous engagements between Fiji and India, including the commitment to supply 12 agricultural drones and two mobile soil testing labs, reflect a growing technology transfer model beneficial for the sugar sector. The collaboration also includes the establishment of a 100-bed Super Specialty Hospitals in Suva, which aims to improve healthcare access for Fijians.
These developments mark a pivotal point in Fiji-India relations, showcasing a proactive partnership focused on enhancing agricultural practices, addressing educational needs, and fostering comprehensive skill development. This trajectory not only signals advancements in Fiji’s sugar industry but also promotes a sustainable future rooted in cooperation and shared growth objectives between the two nations. The ongoing collaboration points to an optimistic outlook for both the sugar industry and the overall prosperity of Fiji and its communities.