Australian High Commissioner John Feakes believes there is a need to bolster agricultural livelihoods on Vanua Levu.
In his recent visit to the North, along with other diplomats, Mr Feakes said supporting small-scale farmers was an area his team would look into.
“We will continue to support small-scale farmers and their access to markets, not only overseas markets, but markets in Viti Levu too,” he said.
“We will closely look at that.”
For American ambassador Joseph Cella, he said the North had great potential.
“We have launched Fiji Forward to drive multi sectors and we’re engaging with the Fijian Government and changing challenges into opportunities,” he said.
British Deputy High Commissioner Paul Welsh said he had been struck by the diversity of programs various government departments had in the North.
“We need to do more to engage the young people because they are our future generation.”
New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr said COVID-19 had shown the world the need to diversify the economy.
“In Fiji we are heavily dependent on tourism so we are meeting stakeholders in Savusavu and see how we can help.”
Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission Tsuguyoshi Hada said inclusive development was the key to greater opportunities.
“We are assisting Fiji and by collaborating and co-operating with each other we can support Fiji,” he said.
“Collaboration is very important and that is why we are here for the trip and we would like to support grassroots community and that is the main assistance we are doing to Vanua Levu.”
