Government has confirmed its commitment towards the establishment of a wood biomass and pallet industry here.

This was announced by the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Osea Naiqamu yesterday at the Yatule Resort and Spa during the first ever Wood Biomass Symposium 2015.

The discussion took place between Fiji and the Korea’s representatives from the forestry, environment, conservation agencies, non-government organisations and financiers.

 “This symposium recognises the new role of the forest sector in contributing to the broad objectives of the Green Growth Framework,” Mr Naiqamu said.

“This is to balance development with elements of sustainability.

“Trees for the provision of energy represent a new way of bringing about this needed balance to the way we have been growing our economy, which is a greener way of developing our nation.”

Mr Naiqamu said biomass for wood energy was a new initiative for Fiji and has the potential to revolutionalise forestry.

This would augur well in the energy sector’s move towards sustainable energy.

“We need to start planning and start taking positive actions now,” Mr Naiqamu told participants on Thursday.

“What we are doing here is a first step in the right direction in this long journey towards sustainable development, in both Fiji’s forest and energy sectors,” he said.

“My ministry is taking a proactive approach. It is coming in at this juncture to provide its input into this energy mix, the input of the forestry sector is a win-win for all.

“It will create employment in rural areas, utilise idle land, reduce our fuel import bill and also increase our foreign exchange earnings.”

Koreas Ambassador to Fiji Seong-in Kim congratulated Fiji for taking a positive step towards establishing a wood biomass for energy industry in Fiji.

“It is a first time discussions have been taken by Fiji and Korea and together,” he noted.

“We can see how both the countries can benefit from this because Fiji can be major supply source for wood pallet with Korea providing its high technology usage. It will be good to collaborate together.”