EXPORTERS CRYING OUT: Protesting high charges by Biosecurity(BS) and Naturesway Export Co-operative; Exporters pay extra $44 and another 3 cents per kilo to BS at their processing center; besides $130 payment and 3 cents per kilo during treatment to BS

14/5/2015

Koya's lies and Opposition just sit down like donkeys and not rebutt him

Exports from Fiji to the Pacific eclipse $700 million

The Pacific region is now the biggest export market for Fiji beating out the Australasian and European markets in 2014.

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Industry – Faiyaz Koya highlighted the growing market when asked by fellow MP Balmindar Singh about the status of enhancing Fiji as a trading hub.

“A significant increase of 150% was recorded from $155 million to $387.3 million in 2013; our export to the region continues to perform above all expectations and increasing to $710.6 million in 2014, a further increase of 84%, Madam Speaker.” Koya also noted the growth over the last 3 years from Fiji to the Pacific region has averaged approximately $417.6 million. Source: FBC News

Ministry of Agriculture sources tell Fijileaks this letter speaks TRUTH:
"Due to increased treatment charges more of our buyers in overseas can not buy Fiji produce that goes through HTFA treatment because they are not able to compete and sell. It has made us loose some of the very good markets forever and reduction in orders with the current buyers."

Many exporters produce are 'sinking' because of processing charges

Right Champion

Fijileaks commends FFP MP Balmindar Singh for questioning Koya; after all Singh, who is a farmer and born in the farming community, understands what hardship farmers and exporters go through in Fiji

6 Comments

Dumb Idiots

14/5/2015 02:48:53 pm

Documentation cost of $130 per each "commodity" rather than each shipment is the most rediculous thing I have ever heard in commercial decision.

It should be fixed at $45 per shipment and nil cost /kg.

Maybe the charges were initially built as there may have been corruption with cash handouts to avoid fumigation. And that handouts are placed into Government's revenue. I don't know but only speculating.

BUT with any increase in number of transactions the revenue to Govt increases so charges should be reduced to compensate for that.

Unless the Agriculture Ministry is a toothless tiger sucking on every dollar worth of export thinking it is Fiji Water...!!!

rajend Naidu

15/5/2015 04:34:28 am

Editor,
It is good to hear that Balmindar Singh a member of the ruling FFP government has questioned a government minister's decision and Fijileaks has done the right thing by commending him.
But whilst a man who is part of the government questions the government we have also a man - an academic at that - who accepts all that comes out of the government of Frank Bainimarama as gospel!
We learn from Selwan Nandan's letter to the Fiji Times (16/05 ) that Dr Sushil KSharma wrote an article titled ' Old Toothless Tiger ' (FT 15/05 ) in which he claimed " that PIF has outlived its purpose and has become irrelevant as an institution".
Selwa is right in pointing out that Dr Sharma's claim is " a gross misrepresentation of the reality".
Indeed it is. But without labouring the point let me just say that the intention of Dr Sharma's article was not an objective assessment of the role of PIF in contemporary Pacific island countries. It was to echo the views of the Fijian PM Frank Bainimarama who has demanded the removal of Australia and NZ from the PIF.
Echoing the stance of the Bainimarama government is a familiar theme in Dr Sharma's writing.
His writings would not pass the test of academic analysis and objectivity.
It is in fact even a poor piece of propaganda for the Bainimarama regime.
Rajend Naidu
Sydney

MAKEfjdENTERpoliticsORcoup

15/5/2015 06:24:56 am

I bet everyone would be surpised when they find out who in charge of running the show for bio-security and by the time accounts are audited, many will be millionaires, well courtesy of current people in power

keep it up, let the common people rot....

This Doesn't Help

15/5/2015 10:18:21 am

The charges imposed upon the exporters are ridiculously high. Farmers who are already poor are forced to sell to the exporters at extremely low prices or even at losses. These disparities cause lack of enthusiasm in farmers to be more productive.

Greed, indeed, is a hinderance to progress and prosperity.

I am a MAF Approved Biosecurity Officer in NZ

15/5/2015 03:07:31 pm

Biosecurity charges are altogether seperate cost to inspect, fumigate, etc and issue certificate the produce are fit for export.

NOW if the cost of export document for biosecurity is ridiculously so high, MAYBE there COULD BE a solution.

That is exporters fund a setup of biosecurity officer in exported country with biosecurity approved site location and approved biosecurity site in Fiji approved by NZ, Australia MAF.

Then they take the consignment into their customs / biosecurity zone. There they will inspect the cargo, inspect the packing and inspect the product itself. If fumigation is required only then they will fumigate.

Then they will charge the cost of fumigation and import MAF documentation fee only.

Talk to Pacific Trade Commissioner to help investigate this option.

Then there is NO COST for Fiji's biosecurity as it is properly approved system by importer country.

In Fiji there can be a biosecurity officer approved by NZ, Australia etc who would inspect the goods and give certificate.

This method will also help controlled fumigation standards maintained in receiving country as well as less storage time before they are sold where fumigation may have damaged the skin, etc.

Outcome will be Fiji's Biosecurity Boat will start sinking.

Biosecurity a FARCE in NZ.

15/5/2015 03:11:32 pm

In NZ when I called MAF Biosecurity informing them I have noticed a lot of white flies in my lemon tree and for them to come and fit it.

MAF Biosecurity officer told me to pack the white flies in a plastic bag and post it to them so they can have a look.

While they claim to be protecting the boarder, this emergency call line officers appear to be sitting on their backside asking me to do their job for which they are paid for and not me.

I never bothered to do a thing.

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