Minister for Foreign Affairs Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has revealed that Fiji has submitted a request to the government of Japan for a $27 million overseas development assistance for the overhaul of the slipway facilities.

While addressing delegates at the 35th Pacific Countries Ports Association conference in Suva this morning, Ratu Inoke said the request to Japan has been possible through the support of the governments of Samoa, Vanuatu and the Marshall Islands.

He said the development will certainly lift the quality of service, not only in Fiji but the region as a whole.

Ratu Inoke also highlighted the challenges facing Pacific island states and said the most important of these challenges are the long distances between the ports in the region, the small populations and widely dispersed communities, low trade volumes, imbalance in trade, with exports usually far outweighed by imports.

He said port efficiency is also a major challenge for the Pacific and unless it is addressed successfully, the region will not benefit from the uptick in economic activity that is forecast for the future.

The Foreign Minister said developing countries are the major engines for port development today, fuelled by their high economic growth rates.

He said more than 80% of trade with origins or destinations in developing countries, in tonnage, is through seas.

 
Ratu Inoke told the delegates that the Fiji government is deeply committed to expanding globally and regionally competitive manufacturing, exports, and job growth in Fiji as parts of Fiji's economic recovery.

The conference continues at the Studio Six apartments in Suva this afternoon.


Story by: Roneel Lal