Caption: PM Bainimarama. File Photo.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama welcomed the European Union’s decision to resume assistance to Fiji under its 11th EDF Programme for 2014-2010.
In the margins of the ACP Sugar Ministerial Meeting held in Sigatoka, the Prime Minister had the opportunity to have a bilateral meeting with the European Commission’s Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation (DEVCO), Mr. Marcus Cornaro.
The Prime Minister provided an update on the current status of Fiji’s political and socio-economic development.
The EC’s Deputy Director General for Development Cooperation was very appreciative and impressed with the progress made so far, particularly in the enactment of Fiji’s new Constitution and the commitment made towards the General Elections in 2014.
He assured the Prime Minister that the EU will be undertaking consultations with government to agree on the priorities to be considered under the 11th EDF Programme.
The EC’s Deputy Director General DEVCO confirmed that the European Union is committed to provide an additional F$1.8million to support the upcoming elections in areas mutually agreed to with the Fijian government.
In addition, the Prime Minister welcomed the announcement made by the European Union to allocate EURO30.665 million to Fiji under the 2013 Accompanying Measures Support Programme for the Sugar Sector.
He reiterated that the support will assist the successful implementation of the 5 year Sugar Industry Strategic Action Plan to ensure commercial viability, competitiveness and sustainability of the industry in the long term.