The final report that was presented to the Trade and Tourism Ministry by a consultant is waiting to be tabled in parliament.

This was revealed by Minister responsible, Premila Kumar when asked about the progress achieved on the MOU and Joint Feasibility Studies conducted by Fiji and the Peoples’ Republic of China on the proposed Free Trade Agreement.

Kumar says before the Ministry came up with the final report – consultations were held with the private sector.

She says an MOU was signed with China to explore the possibility of having a trade arrangement between the two countries.

“In this regard an MOU was signed for a Joint Feasibility Study. A consultant was appointed who prepared a draft report. It went through two consultative sessions with the various stakeholders and now we have the final report which was submitted to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.”

Kumar says there are some difficulties Fijian exporters face when entering the Chinese market as there are high tariffs.

She says Fiji has the potential to grow its exports to china – provided there is preferential access.

She adds with the establishment of the Fiji Trade Commission in China, Fiji has managed to introduce new products in the Chinese market such as bottled water and beauty products.