Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Partnership and Collaboration for enhancing Agricultural Research between Fiji through the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) through the PNG National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI).
The MOU is a result of discussions between the Fijian Prime Minister and his PNG counterpart during his State visit to PNG in April this year.
Cabinet based its decision on a submission by the Minister for Agriculture, Mr Inia Seruiratu.
NARI is a public funded, statutory research organization in PNG, mandated to conduct and foster applied and adaptive research into any branch of biological, physical and natural sciences related to agriculture, cultural and socioeconomic aspects of the agricultural sector especially of the smallholder agriculture; and matters relating to rural development and of relevance to PNG.
The Minister said that MOU with NARI would benefit both Governments through increased agricultural production and modernizing agricultural technology for food security for all.
The MOU shall be in effect for five years, commencing from the date of its signing with the right of renewal upon agreement between the parties.
-ENDS-