Government is confident that the sugar reforms currently undertaken are on the right track.

Speaking at the opening of the Fiji – FAO 2012 Asia Pacific Sugar Conference at Denarau this morning – Prime Minister and Minister for Sugar Voreqe Bainimarama says sugar remains an essential part of the Fijian economy.

FBC News senior journalist Elenoa Turagaviu is in Nadi and files this report.

“The Prime Minister told the delegates at the conference that the Fiji government is determined to reverse the declining trend of sugar production in the country for the last couple of years.”

“He says the sugar industry is here to stay – with reform initiatives implemented to revitalize the industry.”

“Bainimarama says while the industry faces challenges such as production and cane supply, land tenure, leases and natural disasters – it is only through dialogue, team work and the willingness to accept new ideas that the industry will be successful.”

“He also took the opportunity to brief the delegates of Fiji’s progress towards the 2014 elections – with the voter registration and constitution consultations currently underway.”

“Representatives of sugar industry stakeholders from the Asia Pacific regional are attending the meeting.”