Fiji is setting its sights on expanding kava trade with Tonga, with plans to import raw kava from Vava’u starting in August, according to Vava’u businessman and former MP ‘Etuate Lavulavu.
Speaking after the recent Fiji-Tonga Business Mission in Nuku’alofa, Lavulavu revealed during a government press conference last Friday that Fijian kava brand ‘Green Gold Kava’ has expressed interest in purchasing kava from Vava’u at a rate of $200 per kilogram.
However, Lavulavu noted that the current estimated hundreds of acres of kava cultivation in Tonga may not be sufficient to meet Fijian demand consistently in the long run.
“We need to rethink our strategy,” Lavulavu said. “Tonga should go directly to market instead of channeling through Fiji. The 2019 Kava Bill should be revisited to ensure Tongan farmers receive maximum benefit.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade Manoa Kamikamica, who led the Fijian business delegation, emphasised that Fiji is open for trade in various sectors, including premium agricultural products. “Whether it’s premium seafood, agricultural products, or niche manufactured goods, Fiji is open for trade — and open to doing more business with Tonga,” Kamikamica said.
Tonga’s Minister for Public Enterprises, Paula Piukala, suggested that the government may consider repurposing its shipping assets to facilitate increased trade with Fiji, which could include agricultural exports like kava.
The proposed kava deal could be a significant economic opportunity for Vava’u, but Lavulavu cautioned that supply constraints must be addressed before the deal proceeds.
The prime minister, Hon. Dr. ‘Aisake Eke, announced has Friday that government is making a commitment to boosting the private sector in its budget allocation for the next fiscal year. But no detail was given as to how this fund will be applied to private sector development and how much of Tonga’s kava industry will benefit from it.
