The European Union is awaiting a response from the authorities in Fiji on an investigation report which could determine whether local fishing companies can once again export fish to the European market.

In a statement, the EU said following the delisting of Fiji last year from the list of third world countries eligible to export fishery products onto the European Market, the Competent Authority of Fiji and the National Health Board embarked on an extensive reform initiative.

The initiative was to ensure that all stakeholders operating in the fisheries sector in Fiji are compliant with the respective EU regulations and rules.

The EU said they were then invited to conduct an inspection mission in Fiji in June this year and the draft report is now with the authorities in Fiji for a response.

The EU revealed that preliminary results indicate that the public sector bodies passed the investigation whereas the private sector operators still have some improvements to make to reach the EU compliance regulations.

The EU also stressed that European vessels fishing in the Pacific and which use Fiji harbours as unloading and export transit points are subject to inspection and certification by the Competent Authority as any other vessel.