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Work is underway to facilitate direct trade between the Island of Rotuma and Tuvalu. Cabinet has approved that all relevant Ministries and agencies continue to assist the Rotuma Island Council in the implementation of trade arrangements with Tuvalu and the establishment of the required infrastructure and management capabilities. Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama. The Prime Minister said that direct trade is the solution to social and economic development issues for both Tuvalu and Rotuma. “Direct trade will address the dire need of the people of Tuvalu for fresh agricultural produce and at a more cost-effective arrangement, whilst generating economic activities for Rotuma. “The Rotuma Island Council will be the sole exporter for the Rotuma produce, and will engage in negotiations with the Tuvalu Co-operative Society to be the handling agent to wholesale and retail Rotuma produce for the Tuvalu market.” The Prime Minister said that the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) has been active in developing this trade arrangement. “With the assistance of the SPC, a fact-finding mission has already visited Tuvalu in March this year.” The Prime Minister said that according to this mission, produce that are being considered to be imported from Rotuma are taro, cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, dalo-ni-tana, rourou, bele, water melons, oranges, mangoes, mandarins, wi, dawa, tarawau, cabbages (English & Chinese varieties), cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkins etc. “Requests have also been made for the importation of pigs and pork, as this is high demand in Tuvalu for customary and traditional obligations.” The Prime Minister, however, pointed out that bio-security threats will first be taken into consideration and until such as time as the High Temperature Forced Air (HTFA) Treatment Plant is operational in Rotuma, a restriction will be placed on exporting fresh fruit and vegetables like oranges, bananas, pawpaws and cabbages. He said that the Quarantine Department, in collaboration with the Secretariat for the Pacific Community, will carry out a Pest Risk Analysis and establish Quarantine Protocols for Root Crops, Fruits and Vegetables to facilitate trade with Tuvalu. He added that a Tuvalu fact-finding mission to Rotuma to identify the market potential and confirm other relevant arrangements will be undertaken later this year. Cabinet had earlier approved that the Oinafa Wharf in Rotuma be declared a port of entry in order to facilitate trade from Rotuma. -Ends- No:1118 |
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