The Deputy Director General of Europeaid Marcus Cornaro maintains that the 4 million Euros will be channeled through the Australia Pacific Technical College for the training of Fijians connected with the sugarcane industry.
Questions have been raised on why the EU has decided to have this partnership with Australia.
Cornaro maintains that it is just about efficiencies in how the aid will be used.
The Fijian government has expressed grave concern over the announcement made by the European Commission and Australia.
Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar,Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said the intended association demonstrates a unilateral approach towards development assistance rather than a partnership approach.
Commodore Bainimarama said this approach is highly irregular.
He said it is also unclear as to how this training through the Australia Pacific Technical College will complement the Fijian government’s revival of the sugarcane industry or how it will tie in with the national policies on targeted development and creating sustained livelihoods.
Commodore Bainimarama said the government believes that if the European Commission is genuine about development and assistance, it must reconsider its association with Australia Pacific Technical College and work with organizations such as the Fiji National University and the government to achieve the best results for all Fijians.
The Prime Minister also said there were no consultations with the Fijian Government or relevant stakeholders on the issue.
Marcus Cornaro left the country earlier today.
Story by: Vijay Narayan
Euro aid will go through APTC - Cornaro
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