29 May 2012

Fiji says negotiations over European sugar deal extension are positive

12:10 pm on 29 May 2012

The Ministry of Industry and Trade in Fiji says it looks like the European Sugar Market will extend its agreement with the country's sugar industry.

The deal, which enables sugar to be sold to European Union countries interest free or duty free, is due to expire in 2015.

The Ministry's Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali says the EU deal is very important to Fiji.

He says negotiations are continuing with the ESM and are going well.

"The channels of communication are always open and through their office here in Suva we are able to discuss a number of things and those discussions are very positive."

Shaheen Ali says they are working on getting the best export prices for the sugar.

The Fiji Sugar Corporation, which exports to Tate and Lyle Refinery in London under the EU deal, says the price paid for the product has dropped dramatically over the last few years.

It would like to see that issue addressed in the agreement.