SUVA (Pacnews) — Fiji Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase has accepted Finland’s offer of assistance to improve and boost Fiji’s foreign trade.
The offer was made by the non-resident ambassador of Finland to Fiji, Annell Puura-Markala, during a courtesy call on the prime minister.
Qarase was also happy with Finland’s interest in Fiji’s trade affairs in particular sugar, forestry and forest products, and agriculture.
During their discussion, Qarase was interested in Finland’s successful restructure of its agriculture and forestry sectors after joining the European Union, which enabled it to compete successfully in the open market.
Qarase said he was optimistic of the much-needed restructure in Fiji’s sugar industry, adding that the industry has to undergo the same rigorous process undertaken in Finland to improve productivity and economic returns.
Other areas of mutual interest discussed were Fiji’s defense system, information technology, oil, natural gas and the contribution of the two countries to peacekeeping duties with the multinational forces and observers.
