Cabinet Approves MoU between India and Fiji for Cooperation in the Field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare of the Republic of India and Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Fiji for cooperation in the field of Agriculture and Allied Sectors on 3 March 2021.

The MoU between India and Fiji provides for cooperation in the following areas:

· Exchange of research personnel, scientific experts, specialists, and technical trainees;

· Enhancement and transfer of technology;

· Development of infrastructure for agriculture development;

· Development of human resources through training of officers and farmers by conducting seminars and workshops;

· Promotion of joint ventures between private sectors of both countries;

· Promotion of investment in marketing and value addition/downstream processing of agricultural commodities;

· Promote capacity development in all areas of agriculture;

· Promotion of direct trade of agriculture products through market access;

· Joint planning and development of research proposals and execution of research projects and programmes;

· Establishment of Indo - Fiji Working Group for dealing phytosanitary issues, and any other form of cooperation which will be mutually agreed by the Parties.

Under the MoU, a Joint Working Group (JWG) will be constituted to set down procedures and plan and recommend programs of cooperation towards achieving its aims through the Executing agencies of the two countries. The JWG will hold its meeting alternately in India and Fiji once in every two year.

This MoU will come into effect on the date of its signing and will remain in force for a period of 5(five) years.