Cali, Colombia – Fiji’s Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, is taking advantage of his attendance at the Centennial Congress of the International Society of Sugar Cane Technologists (ISSCT) to meet with leading global sugar mill suppliers.
Accompanied by his Permanent Secretary, Dr Vinesh Kumar, the Minister held discussions with internationally recognised groups including Uttam Group (India), ULKA Industries, and Five Group. These companies are among the top engineering firms in sugar mill technology and have been instrumental in modernising mills across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
The central focus of these meetings is Fiji’s intention to establish a new sugar mill, equipped with modern, energy-efficient technologies that can significantly lower production costs, increase sugar recovery rates, and support diversification into ethanol, electricity cogeneration, and bio-fertilizers.
Speaking after the meetings, Hon. Singh emphasised, “Our government is committed to revitalising Fiji’s sugar industry. Establishing a new mill with the latest technology is a strategic step toward increasing efficiency, lowering costs, and ensuring sustainability. These discussions with global leaders in mill construction are vital for us to make the right decision for Fiji’s future”.
The initiative is part of Fiji’s broader Sugar Industry Modernization Program, which seeks to rebuild confidence in the industry, create rural employment, and strengthen the country’s export base by embracing innovation and global best practices
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