Chairman of the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji, Mr. Naushad Ali,

Deputy Director – Phytosanitary Issues Management, US Department of Agriculture, Mr. Christian Dellis,

Director, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Mr. Philippe Isler,

Team Leader, GFA Consulting Group, Dr. Thomas Orliac,

Distinguished guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Bula Vinaka and good afternoon to you all.

Opening remarks

Trade efficiency is vital to any nation’s interest and prosperity. Governments invest millions of dollars on trade-facilitation and Trade-related infrastructure, in order to give them the competitive advantage.

Not only Governments – Private Businesses also invest in logistics and trade efficiency.

We rely on it for creating better jobs and spurring growth and investment — more so for Small Island economies like Fiji, because it is a matter of survival for us.

So a large part of our role is creating easier, safer border facilitation to benefit trade.

Thus, it gives me great pleasure to join you in launching Fiji’s Electronic Phytosanitary Enhanced Services, or better known as ePhyto services.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today marks a significant milestone in Fiji’s efforts to facilitate trade and improve our efficiency and competitiveness – in the global market for exports of agricultural products.

This new system will provide a modern and efficient way to manage and verify phytosanitary certificates for plant products, replacing the traditional paper-based system.

This transformation has the potential to boost Fiji’s trade in agriculture and promote efficiency in the entire export supply chain.

 

What is e-phyto?

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Phytosanitary certificates are official documents issued by authorised Government agencies, such as the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji (BAF).

They essentially certify that exported plants and plant products meet requirements and are free from dangerous pests and diseases.

These certificates are essential for ensuring the safe and efficient trade of agricultural commodities, which are critical for food security.

Traditionally, the phytosanitary certificates are issued on paper and require physical delivery to the quarantine authorities.

Compared to ePhyto, this process was slow, cumbersome, and costly.

The reliance on paper documentation also means it is more difficult for Biosecurity agencies to ensure certificates are legitimate.

It also increases the risk of untreated goods entering Fiji or being exported to other countries.

 

Pivot – and its benefits?

Therefore, the BAF was able to pivot and take advantage of available modern technology.

This was with the assistance of our partners – the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and GFA Consulting Group.

BAF has now developed the capacity to exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates, or ePhytos, which provides numerous benefits – to the Private Sector to the Quarantine Authority and to the country as a whole.

One of the primary advantages of ePhytos is that they can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with paper-based systems for traders and border agencies.

The adoption of ePhytos, means that documents can be exchanged instantly and securely between authorized parties, eliminating the need for physical delivery, and reducing the risk of loss or damage.

This can save traders significant time and money, as they no longer have to rely on couriers or postal services to transport the certificates.

For Fiji it also means that countries who receive our goods can be more certain they have been treated properly.

This helps protect Fiji’s hard earned image throughout the world as a supplier of safe and reliable products.

I have been informed that we already have more than 50 exporters registered on this platform in Fiji.

I am sure you will get to hear about the benefits from the trader testimonials scheduled later in the programme.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

How far have we come and what is planned ahead?

We have come far and have made steady progress.

Fiji initiated the exchange of ePhytos with New Zealand in 2020, as an immediate measure to reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on agriculture trade.

Despite the progress we have not fully migrated to e-Phytos with New Zealand.

However, we are making steady progress to go completely paperless with both New Zealand and Australia.

This makes the United States (US) the first country that Fiji will be going completely paperless with.

This means exchanging ePhytos only, starting from today (24 March).

 

United States

Ladies and Gentlemen

It is befitting that we are launching ePhytos with the United States.

The US is one of largest trading partners, and this initiative will further strengthen our bilateral and regional trade and economic relationship.

By facilitating the movement of agricultural products between our two countries, we will create new opportunities for businesses in Fiji and the United States.

While consumers will also benefit with access to safe and healthy agricultural products.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for their partnership in launching this initiative with Fiji.

This collaboration marks a significant step in our effort to enhance the safety and efficiency of international trade, while also promoting sustainable agriculture.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

Link with IPEF

We are particularly excited about the link between this initiative and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) Agreement that is currently being negotiated between the US, Fiji, Australia, New Zealand and 10 other like-minded countries.

The IPEF represents 40% of global gross domestic product and aims to deliver tangible benefits that will facilitate economic activity and investments in the Indo Pacific Region. The adoption of the ePhyto is a concrete example of the type of innovative and collaborative approach that is achievable through such partnerships.

 

Future plans

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The successful implementation of this project is just the first step. The Fiji Government is focussed on making continual improvements. There are plans to integrate this system with the ASYCUDA platform (in our Customs Authority) to gain further benefits from this valuable project. And enhance our single window border clearance initiative.

 

Acknowledgements

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to commend the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji for their forward thinking and dedication in successfully implementing this project.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our implementation partners and technical experts from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and the GFA Consulting Group, for their critical role in supporting the development and launch of this platform.

Their expertise and guidance have been invaluable in helping us navigate the resources required for the project, and we are grateful for their continued support.

Looking to the future, this project will play a vital role in our long-term vision for enhancing trade in Fiji. We would like to be known as the efficient trade and investment destination of choice.

We are committed to modernizing our systems and processes to make it easier and more cost-effective to do business in Fiji.

Thank you all for joining us today to celebrate this important milestone.

Vinaka.