The Minister for Public Enterprise says the recent suspension of Fiji’s export commodities to New Zealand should not be repeated.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum refuted claims made by some political parties that Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is causing losses to farmers.

He says BAF has been quite facilitated for the past few years and has been performing well.

“We’re trying to get rid of the old culture that existed previously with the old quarantine department and if you talk to many of the exporters and importers you’ll find there has been many facilitating pathways that’s critical both in and out of the country. However, the main point is to ensure that the different authorities we deal with have a clear understanding that the acceptance or rejection of shipment is done in a very transparent benefit.”

Sayed-Khaiyum adds BAF is auditing the Nature’s Way Cooperatives high temperature forced air facility.

This is to ensure the established Bilateral Quarantine Agreement exports pathway is sustained.