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Fiji will continue to work closely with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in pursuit of their common goal to eradicate poverty and hunger in rural areas of developing countries.
This commitment was made today on behalf of the Fijian Government by Fiji’s Ambassador to the European Union and Permanent Representative to IFAD, Ambassador Deo Saran at the 42nd Session of the IFAD Governing Council.
Established in 1977, IFAD aims to empower men and women in rural communities of developing countries to achieve higher incomes and improved living. The organisation’s Governing Council consists of all IFAD member states and is the main decision making body that meets annually.
While delivering Fiji’s country statement at the Council, Ambassador Saran spoke on the importance of the agriculture sector to the Fijian economy and its rural livelihood, and the work undertaken by the Fijian Government in collaboration with IFAD to develop sustainable agricultural sector in rural areas”
“Fiji has shared a warm and fruitful relationship with IFAD over the past 40 years. We have witnessed the evolution of IFAD in these past decades, who despite its size, has become a valued partner not only in Fiji, but amongst other Pacific Island states also. Indeed, our partnership with IFAD is built upon our shared values and ethos to ensure ‘no one is left behind’ and to ensure that rural and remote sections of our community also share the benefits of prosperity and growth. This is a key pillar of the Fijian Government’s development agenda and we are keen to continue to partner with IFAD in pursuit of this goal.”
He added that the Fijian Government has increased investment in rural infrastructure, which has benefited about 44% of the Fiji’s population which reside in the rural and outer islands.
“Agriculture is central to Fiji’s economic development agenda. Over the years there have been some positive progress experienced in the Sector as a result of new initiatives undertaken by government and continuous interventions from our global partners such as the European Union, FAO, and IFAD etc. The Government through the Ministry of Agriculture is currently finalising a Strategic Development Plan for the Sector that focuses on five [5] Strategic Priorities which should form the basis of Agriculture Development in the next 5 years [2019-2023].”
The event was also an opportunity for Ambassador Saran to pledge Fiji’s financial contribution of USD100,000 to the IFAD to carry out its work in addressing the problems of rural poverty for Fiji and other Pacific Island nations.
