Thorough processes have been followed before the decision to close Fiji’s missions in Brazil and Ethiopia were made.

This was revealed during the national budget announcement where the Economy Minister says the embassies in these two countries will be closed as Fiji will be expanding its presence in India.

Defence Minister, Inia Seruiratu says establishing missions is not only about political gains as a country needs to look at bilateral and multilateral issues and the economic benefits.

Seruiratu says a team from the Foreign Affairs Ministry evaluated the two missions last December.

“As a result of the exercise that was undertaken last year in December. There was a recommendation that was put before cabinet and of course cabinet endorsed it. Of course we can always consider opening new missions, but we have to be clear with, what are the intentions behind opening of missions and of course meeting and fulfilling the key criteria.”

The government has allocated $500,000 to establish a new Trade Commission in India.