Sugar under Prime Minister’s Office

THE sugar industry portfolio has been re-assigned from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Office of the Prime Minister.

In announcing the change Interim Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama said he wanted to drive and expedite the sugar industry reforms in an effort to ensure viability and sustainable survival of the industry.

The PM’s Office would now oversee the implementation of recommendations submitted by consultants Rasheed Ail and Ram Karan on a review of the financial and operational viability of the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC).

The report will be made available to all industry stakeholders once the FSC board has considered and accepted it.

Bainimarama said his office was interested in expediting the mill upgrading programme under the Sugar Technical Mission (STM) assistance.

The office would also give further support to the work of the Committee on Better Utilisation of Land (CBUL) in an effort to ensure that land is made available for sustaining the existing industry and/or further expansion thereof;

Bainimarama said he was keen on ensuring that agricultural inputs such as fertiliser and herbicides are readily and competitively available to farmers.

Other priority areas are the review of the functions of Sugar Cane Growers Council, Sugar Commission of Fiji, and Fiji Sugar Marketing Authority and the strengthening of the FSC board.

Bainimarama said he was looking forward to working closely with all industry stakeholders in effective implementation of the above priorities.

The sugar industry portfolio in Prime Minister’s office is serviced by Principal Economic Planning Officer Viliame Gucake, and Vinesh Kumar.