Dr Ken Cokanasiga. Photo: SUPPLIED.
There is real potential for agro tourism in the Pacific region especially in Fiji where the tourism sector continues to advance in agro-based menus.
Those were the words of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community director Land Use Division Dr Ken Cokanasiga at the opening of the Pacific Community Agriculture – Tourism Conference which is currently underway in Nadi, Fiji.
“We are here to discuss and make new partnerships towards achieving our goals as a region which is hugely reliance on agriculture and tourism,” he said.
“There is a real potential for our produce to be available as world class menus and not only is this for our five – star resorts but also other restaurants which will be explored in the next five – days with our chefs from the region who are working on ensuring better presentation of our foods on plates.”
Dr Cokanasiga added that Fiji, as a leader in tourism, continues to explore ways to enhance agricultural development alongside tourism development.
Delegation of the European Union’s Head of Operations Mr Renato Mele also shared similar sentiments says Fiji was not only a producer but also was becoming a major market for the region.
“Fiji’s agricultural import is still high, and this means that there is a real potential for the pacific farmers as Fiji is now a market for agriculture,” Mr Mele said.
The Fijian Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, is also exploring reducing its agricultural import bill through research and the implementation and reintroduction of produces such as potato, pawpaw, watermelon and other fruits while at the same time reducing duty of imported fruits and vegetables.
Press Release