Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry met with Brazil's ambassador to the United States Antonio Patriota in Washington to seek assistance for Fiji's sugar industry.

In a statement, Chaudhry said that Brazil is perhaps the world's most efficient sugar producer and there is much we can learn from them which will be of great value.

Chaudhry said he is interested in reducing the cane harvesting and transportation costs in Fiji, however, tapping into Brazil's expertise in this area would be a lot of help.

The statement goes on to say that Ambassador Patriota informed Chaudhry that his country would be more than willing to help and cooperate with Fiji in its sugar industry reform program.

Chaudhry said that Ambassador Patriota also offered assistance for our agricultural sector.