Fiji recorded a 40 per cent increase in its total exports the European Union the past year when compared to 2013.

The total value of exports in 2014 was $228.4 million, confirmed the Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Shaheen Ali.

Mr Ali said Fiji exports on average for the past three years, between 2012 to 2014, was nearly $193 million per annum.

“Sugar in these three years was the prime export, on average accounting for 86 per cent of total exports,” he said.

“This benefits directly and indirectly 200,000 Fijians and continues to generate economic activities in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Ra, Labasa and Seqaqa.”

Apart from sugar, Fiji exports a range of other commodities, including fish and fisheries product, crystallised ginger, mineral water, garments, sporting wear, pre-packed food items and beauty products.

Mr Ali said this not only benefits manufacturers and the ordinary Fijians who are gainfully employed, but farmers also in the rural areas who grow raw materials for the manufacturers.

“For example, ginger farmers who supply to crystallised ginger manufacturers and virgin coconut oil producers who supply to beauty products manufacturers,” he said.

Mr Ali has stressed trade flows between Fiji and the European Union are reciprocal.

“Imports from the EU also takes place and the most notable are the three Airbuses that we imported from France by Fiji Airways,” he said.

“Lately, Punjas imported their state-of-the-art machinery for their biscuit factory from Italy as well.

“Our other large imports from the EU consist of machinery and mineral fuel.”

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