Pacific countries producing kava have taken a step forward to protect the cultural heritage, quality, intellectual property, and economic benefits of Pacific Kava at a workshop held in Vanuatu this week. An Implementation Plan for the Regional Kava Development Strategy has been agreed upon, reflecting a collective Blue Pacific approach to addressing economic issues.
Speaking at the event, Honourable Bob Loughman, Vanuatu’s Minister for Trade and Commerce, emphasised kava’s importance: “Kava is vital to our cultural heritage, our economies, and the livelihood of our Pacific people.” He highlighted Vanuatu’s kava export growth, which surged by 366% from 2014 to 2022, nearly reaching VUV 4,000 million in 2023.
Mr. Kelo Yomapisi of the Papua New Guinea National Trade Office stressed the benefits of intellectual property protection: “Enhancing visibility and prominence through intellectual property gives our Pacific islands kava a market access advantage, preserving its cultural significance.”
Mr. Afoa Stefan Szegedi, Vice-President of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, noted, “This plan will ensure high quality and standards for imported kava, facilitating easier market access.”
The two-day meeting validated the Implementation Plan and endorsed the SPIRIT Scoping Study on developing a pharmaceutical/nutraceutical industry. Ms. Setaita Tupua, Team Leader of the SPIRIT Project, confirmed plans for an informative workshop on kava-based nutraceutical and pharmaceutical derivatives.
Fei Tevi represented Tonga at the workshop.
This initiative is supported by the Pacific Community, the SPIRIT project, and the ACP Business-Friendly program, funded by the European Union and other international organisations.
