Government is excited about economic good times for Rotuma Island with the commencement of trade with Tuvalu this week. Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama said Government is committed to the well being of Rotumans. In a past visit to Rotuma, the Prime Minister pledged to build the island economy.
The map shows Rotuma and Futuna in Tuvalu in relation to Fiji's main islands. Click to enlarge.
Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office Lieutenant Colonel Pio Tikoduadua said Rotuma has the capacity and potential to develop a vibrant economy. “The Prime Minister noticed this when he visited the island in 2008 and Government implemented the groundwork that would facilitate economic development,” Lt. Col Tikoduadua said. “ This is indeed a milestone achievement."
“Around $20m was earned from dalo exports and these export earnings will improve even further with Rotuma now part of the market.
“This goes to the heart of this Government that works to capture the power of the rural economy and improve livelihoods of people.
“It purely reflects the inclusive approach to development, making sure that we all develop as a nation, not just people in urban centres.
“The Prime Minister and his team will not stop here and will continue with the commitment to improving the livelihoods of those far isolated from the seat of power.”
Tuvaluan Cooperatives signed a Memorandum of Understanding that stipulates trade provisions with Rotuma Export and Marketing Company Limited (REMCOL).
The trade agreement is the culmination of about three years of hard work put in by the Fijian Government to set ground infrastructure, machinery and bio security processes worth well over $2m.
Government invested $1.4m in upgrading the Oinafa jetty, $450,000 for the root crop shed, road upgrades for better farm access amounting to more than $270,000 and the hot air treatment plant to treat fruit flies valued at $450,000.
Tuvaluan vessel MV Manufolau departed Rotuma with seven tonnes of dalo worth $11,750, the first of a monthly supply quota that includes five tonnes of cassava.
Due to technical problems faced in maintaining less than 18 degrees Celsius for the island freezer’s temperature, which is an export condition set by Tuvaluan bio-security, the first supply of peeled cassava could not be made. However, the supply will be met in the April shipment.From dalo and cassava exports alone, $156,000 will be injected into the island economy. Sweet potatoes or Kumala, which is also covered by the MOU, will also be exported to Tuvalu.
The Rotuma Affairs Unit within the Prime Minister’s office confirms that eventually fresh vegetables and fruits like beans and water melons will be exported once commodity protocols are secured this year.
Deputy Secretary responsible for the Unit Tomasi Tui added that within nine months, fruit exports will also begin, following treatment in the newly installed treatment plant.
Earnings are expected to multiply by year end with the exports of root crops, vegetables and fruits.
“The benefit will be in two fold, the export will mean a lot to Government in terms of export promotion programmes targeting the northern small island states.
“Fiji is playing vital role in this exercise. The people will benefit in terms of increase in their basic earnings and it will lift their lives from poverty.”
It’s also hoped the availability of a lucrative market for crops, will encourage unemployed islanders to return home to farm the land.
Around $15,000 can be earned in a month from an average export of 5-7 tonnes of dalo and 3-5 tonnes of peeled cassava. -- No:0542/MOI.
No comments:
Post a Comment