Fiji and Thailand this week signed two Memoranda of Understanding to grow the Agriculture and Fisheries cooperation between the two countries.
The signing took place in Bangkok on Monday 14 December and was hosted by Thailand’s Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives, General Chatchai Sarikulya who signed the MOUs on behalf of the Thai Government. Fiji’s Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Inia Seruiratu signed the MOU on agricultural cooperation while the Minister for Fisheries & Forests, Hon Osea Naiqamu signed the MOU on fisheries cooperation.
“This collaboration is a result of the exchange of official visits by our two Prime Ministers this year which has further deepened our engagement with Thailand”, said Hon. Seruiratu.
“The challenges confronting Fiji in agriculture are wide and varied and these have been exacerbated by three most pressing issues: climate change, food security, and disaster risk reduction. I am confident that this collaboration will greatly assist in addressing these issues”, said Hon. Seruiratu.
“The MOU will significantly contribute to the improvement of Fiji’s agriculture sector which has a major contribution to our economy. The areas of cooperation identified will, among other things, boost our capacity building programme and enhance our research and development capabilities”, added Hon. Seruiratu.
The Minister for Fisheries & Forests commended the signing and was confident about its benefits for Fiji.
“Our visit to Thailand in May this year confirmed to me that what we lack in Fiji can be easily complemented by Thailand’s robust fisheries industry, especially in addressing food security. Towards this end, Fiji recognises Thailand’s existing strengths and this MOU signals our intention to engage on a deeper level in order to enhance our fisheries sector including aquaculture”, said Hon. Naiqamu.
“An effective engagement mechanism is now in place and when maximized will bring about the intended results. I am therefore excited about this eventuality and my Ministry is ready to play its part to ensure that this MOU is fully implemented”, said Hon. Naiqamu.
Before the signing ceremony, the two Ministers paid a courtesy call on Minister Sarikulya who said that the MOU was a great occasion to celebrate 43 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Fiji. He also expressed the Thai Prime Minister’s wishes that the MOUs should benefit both countries.
General Sarikulya also mentioned that a Joint Working Group must be formed immediately after the signing to speed up the implementation of the MOUs.
The issue of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing was also discussed and General Sarikulya requested that it be included in the Joint Working Group’s agenda. He also requested Fiji to join Thailand in combating these activities. Hon Osea Naiqamu endorsed General Sarikulya’s sentiments and agreed that both countries should collaborate in addressing the matter.
Both Fijian Ministers were part of the Fijian government delegation that took part in the UN Climate Change talks in Paris.