Exports of papaya to Australia remain unaffected following assurance from the Australian government they will be taking no action to restrict imports from Fiji.

The assurance comes after the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism along with Biosecurity Authority of Fiji met with the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia this week.

Minister for Public Enterprise Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the meeting was to ensure that Australian imports of Fijian papaya would continue normally despite the recent suspension by New Zealand.

‘’We were mindful of the fact and off course we’re always focused on ensuring that our farmers have the ability to be able to export all their produce so as a pre emptive step the officials have also spoken to the Australian authorities and they meet with the Australian authorities’ here and they’ve assured us that it won’t have any impact on our ability to export the same produce to Australia’’.

Sayed Khaiyum says Australian authorities have reviewed the import requirements for Fijian papaya treated through the same high temperature forced air facility at Natures Way Cooperative.

He says they are satisfied with the additional measures implemented by BAF to ensure all exports comply with the requirements.