Chief Proposes International Sea Port of Entry
Tui Labasa, Ro Jone Qomate is proposing the construction of an international sea port of entry in Labasa to grow businesses and boost the local export market.
Monday 15 April 2024 | 13:21
Tui Labasa, Ratu Jone Qomate, during an event in Labasa on April 11, 2024. Photo: Sampras Anand
Tui Labasa, Ro Jone Qomate is proposing the construction of an international sea port of entry in Labasa to grow businesses and boost the local export market.
Ratu Jone said the expensive cost of logistics to cart goods and services to Labasa led to a price hike affecting customers.
“If we have a sea port in Labasa, our freight cost will significantly decrease and this will improve service delivery to customers,” he said.
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Another avenue it would open up is the export of goods such as root crops, livestock and products manufactured in Labasa across to Viti Levu.
Ro Jone said this would not be limited to local exportation, but, international exportation.
“Change is imperative and we must develop vital infrastructure that will help us compete and increase revenue for current and future generations also.”
Farmers can export their produce overseas to reap increased profits and the iTaukei community would excel in business.
Labasa Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Vinesh Dayal supported the idea for a sea port.
Mr Dayal said access to goods either for sales or export would mean new markets opening for revenue.
He reiterated that business in Labasa had been booming and innovation was central to this vital continuation.
“Rups Bug Bear opened up last week and provided jobs to close to 70 local workers, this 70 will contribute to the local economy through their purchasing power,” he added.
“Partnership and learning from each business model should be the new mantra of growth for business people in Labasa nowadays.”
Ratu Qomate proposed that the Tabia location in Labasa could be looked into for a possible port option.
Other locations such as Malau have been explored as possible port of entry, but, the project never eventuated.
“We need to open up Labasa to the rest of the country and world so that our people benefit.”
“It is not a new proposal, this is an old proposal that should be implemented for the growth of Labasa and Macuata province,” he added.
The only sea port of entry in Vanua Levu is the Nabouwalu Jetty in Bua province.
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