A new bilateral trade agreement between Fiji and Tuvalu could be fully operational by the end of the year.
A state delegation from Tuvalu is in Rotuma, Fiji, on a fact-finding visit following the initiation of talks over trade links by the Rotuma council of chiefs earlier this year.
Rotuma was declared an international port of entry and exit in May.
Tuvalu's permanent secretary for Communications, Transport and Tourism Tapugao Falefou says they will assess Rotuma's ability to provide a consistent supply of crops.
He says they understand the need for infrastructural development and the provision of human resources before Rotuma can be fully recognised as an international port of call.
Biosecurity is another concern.
"We don't want to establish a shipping link, agree to start trading between Rotuma and Tuvalu and yet this security, food security hasn't been addressed properly so that's another issue that we would like to make sure we address before we go ahead with our trading."
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community's Land Resources Department is facilitating the process.
