The Pacific agribusiness conference in Fiji last week was for stakeholders in agriculture and tourism to exchange experiences and collaborate on the potential in agritourism markets.
Particularly it was about strengthening linkages between national and regional value chain actors in the two industries, says Fijian Agriculture Minister Inia Seruiratu.
Minister Seruiratu urged the large congregation to make the most of the opportunity and explore what synergies there are between the two sectors, and share the characteristics and challenges for a way forward.
He said while island states focus internally and try to address agribusiness aspects at local and national levels, they should also think as Pacific islands and economies and try to be more sustainable and grow the economies. They should consider the great potential to collaborate and partner up in businesses inter-islands.
“We share the surrounding Pacific ocean and our lands produce some of the best produce around – taro, cassava, breadfruits, cocoa, coffee, vanilla, to name a few, and of course the ever versatile coconuts!” Seruiratu said.
“How can we explore and utilise opportunities to leverage on the shared natural resources and expertise and other resources that is available to us – be it in agricultural development, tourism aspects, cultural and creative industries and so forth?” he said.
“My Ministry’s vision is to influence market forces through vibrant and sustainable agriculture activity that reduces poverty, reduces the risk of food insecurity and increases the contribution to our GDP.
In endeavouring to do this, the Ministry has vowed to excel in its provision of customer-focused and market driven services in the agriculture sector – meaning the services to you.”
Early this year, Fiji launched an Agriculture Corporate Plan, which shares the national strategic priority goals and key development targets that are set by the government.
Seruiratu said these goals contribute in developing Fiji’s economy today as it touches the very lives of the rural and maritime Fijians who are often regarded as poor and marginalized.
The conference was attended by PNG’s Department of Agriculture and Livestock and the PNG Women in Agriculture.