SUVA, Oct. 20 (Xinhua) -- Fiji is prioritizing market access, industry expertise and investment before expanding agricultural production, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica said.
Speaking at the opening of the Nord Investment Cocoa Processing Facility on Vanua Levu, Fiji's second-largest island, on Tuesday, Kamikamica said the government aims to ensure farmers have reliable buyers before encouraging them to increase production.
He said Fiji is seeking investors with industry expertise and established market networks to help farmers build commercially viable and sustainable businesses, warning that production without secure markets could undermine farmers' confidence.
The cocoa processing investment is expected to benefit farming communities in the northern provinces of Bua, Cakaudrove and Macuata, while supporting Fiji's efforts to diversify agricultural exports beyond traditional commodities such as sugar, dalo and cassava.
Kamikamica said the government hopes to develop Vanua Levu into a major cocoa-producing region serving international markets, creating opportunities for small businesses and cooperatives while strengthening the country's agricultural export potential. ■
