𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝟲𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, addressed the members at the 65th International Sugar Organization (ISO) Council Meeting on 29th November 2024.

In his address, Minister Singh reiterated on Fiji’s commitment to revitalize the sugar industry through international collaboration and adopting sustainable practices. He also highlighted that over the years, the sugar industry has contributed significantly to Fiji’s economy, supporting the livelihoods of nearly a quarter of Fiji’s population.

Minister Singh underlined key challenges faced by the sugar industry, which are loss of preferential trade agreements, rising production costs, climate change impacts, and aging infrastructure as major obstacles, and proposed avenues for international collaboration in climate-resilient farming technologies and sustainable agricultural practices.

He also called for collaboration from the expertise of ISO members in addressing these challenges through development of climate-resilient farming technologies, implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, and modernization of infrastructure, including upgrading of century-old sugar mills and rail systems.

“Our goals are to build a resilient and sustainable sugar industry by enhancing productivity, minimizing environmental impact, and exploring new markets. Through the ISO, we seek collaboration on introducing cutting-edge agricultural practices, diversifying the industry, and accessing climate adaptation funds that will help secure future of our farmers and communities,” said Hon. Singh.

While acknowledging ISO’s ongoing support and cooperation, he stressed on the need for access to long-term markets, as well as cheaper concessionary finance and grants to help foster industry growth and sustainability and improve the livelihoods of farmers in Fiji.

A total of 87 countries are members of ISO.