Minister for Trade and Commerce, Richard Maru, has confirmed receiving an official correspondence from the Fiji Government on the uplifting of the ban on PNG products like Ox & Palm and rice.
Maru said today in Parliament that he received a letter from Fiji’s Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Siddiq Koya this morning.
“I can confirm now, this morning I received an official letter from the Minister of Trade for Fiji dated 23rd of March, confirming Fiji has now lifted the ban on imports of ox and palm, rice, and biscuits. Its been a long battle and I’m thankful that the Fiji government has come good and I also on behalf of our own country and government thank the Fiji government for finally doing the right thing.
“We’ve been trying for 15 years so it’s been a long time coming. I’m extremely grateful, that they have come good and I will write to them officially and thank them for that decision,” Maru said.
He said this in response to Usino-Bundi MP, Anton Yagama, who asked the minister to confirm receiving a formal letter after Minister Koya announced last week of the ban removal.
Yagama also asked if other PNG premium export products such as coffee would also be exported to the country.
Minister Maru said PNG’s intention has always been clear and that is to export more products to Fiji. They include canned tuna, fresh fish, ground coffee and other products which are sold globally.