The temporary suspension of Long Bean exports by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries is uncalled for and unjustified says the Executive Chairman of Bio Security of Fiji Xavier Khan.
New Zealand issued the temporary suspension on 21st October.
A statement from the NZ High Commission stated NZMPI has intercepted potentially harmful pests namely Thrips palmi on three shipments of long beans and Okra during October and an earlier interception of long beans in August.
But Khan says BAF has confidence in its inspection processes by the officers before export so, the hatching of the larvae in transit time from Fiji to NZ is not our responsibility.
Khan says BAF has been diligent in its operations and has been adhering to International Trade Requirements when it comes to exports.
“We classify this suspension unjustified, unprofessional and not in line with industrial standard. On the same note – if you look at the processes in the pack houses and the quality controllers of the pack houses basically, Bio Security Authority of Fiji has confidence in the inspection processes which is 100 per cent and whilst we carrying out suspension we also issue the certificates. So, as a competent Authority we are confidents in what we deliver.”
This is the second time this year Fijian exports have been suspended by the NZMPI for not complying with export standards set by New Zealand.
