𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐂𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐢, 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐢𝐚

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs & Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is representing Fiji at the XXXII International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) Centennial Congress, being held in Cali, Colombia, from 22–31 August 2025. The Minister is accompanied by his Permanent Secretary for the Sugar Industry, reflecting Fiji’s commitment at the highest level to strengthen its sugar sector through global collaboration and innovation.

The ISSCT Centennial Congress marks 100 years since the Society’s founding and has brought together over a thousand delegates from across the world—including scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and growers. Organized by TECNICAÑA with support from ASOCAÑA and CENICAÑA, the Congress is guided by the theme “Digital – Innovation – Sustainability,” a focus that resonates strongly with Fiji’s modernization agenda for the sugar industry.

The program spans six commissions—Agriculture, Biology, Co-products, Factory, Management, and Plenary—and includes technical sessions, poster presentations, and the high-level Management Workshop (26–27 August), which highlights anticipating innovation and sustainability in the sugarcane agro-industry. Fiji’s participation ensures the country remains connected to the latest global advancements in mechanization, digital agriculture, bioenergy, and climate-resilient cane varieties.

Ahead of the main sessions, delegates joined pre-congress technical tours (22–23 August) to mills and research centers showcasing smart factory solutions, mechanized harvesting, irrigation systems, and bioenergy projects. The program will conclude with a post-congress visit to Cartagena (30–31 August), offering further exposure to co-product industries and port infrastructure.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Congress, the Minister Hon. Singh emphasized Fiji’s focus on turning global knowledge into local solutions.

“Fiji’s presence at this historic Congress is about learning from global best practices and applying them at home—whether in mechanization, digital decision-making, or building climate resilience. We are committed to ensuring our sugar industry remains competitive, sustainable, and a strong contributor to rural livelihoods and the national economy.”

Fiji’s delegation is also engaging directly with institutions such as CENICAÑA, a global leader in sugar research, to explore opportunities for collaboration on climate-smart agriculture, new cane varieties, renewable energy, and training programs.

By participating in this landmark centennial event, Fiji is reaffirming its resolve to modernize its sugar sector while contributing to the global dialogue on the future of sugarcane.