PM Rabuka: FSC privatisation will not be rushed

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has assured sugarcane farmers that any decision to privatise the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) will be made only after careful study and consultation.

Speaking during consultations with farmers in Seaqaqa yesterday, Mr Rabuka said there was no need for concern as the Government would take its time before deciding on the future ownership of FSC.

"When we are talking about privatisation of FSC, don't panic. Don't panic. It will not happen quickly," he said.

Mr Rabuka said the Government would examine how other sugar-producing countries had transformed their industries before making any decisions on Fiji's sugar sector.

He said many countries that once relied heavily on sugar had diversified their economies while continuing to support their sugar industries.

"We're doing the same. We're not going to discard the reliance that Fiji has had on the sugar industry," he said.

Mr Rabuka said the Government remained committed to strengthening the industry for the benefit of landowners, farmers and the nation.

"Why throw it away? Keep going," he said.

The Prime Minister said the industry's challenges extended beyond the sugar mills and included issues relating to landowner-tenant relationships, mill ownership and the overall structure of the sector.

He said the Government was working to address challenges that had developed over the industry's 147-year history.

Mr Rabuka said the consultations were intended to assess the industry's progress, identify areas of decline and determine what was needed to ensure its long-term sustainability.

He thanked farmers for raising their concerns and acknowledged that not all questions could be answered immediately.

Mr Rabuka said the issues raised would be compiled, with the Government returning to provide responses, while matters requiring immediate attention would be referred to the relevant agencies.