Pacific / Fiji

Fiji takes issue with NZ over vege ban

20:16 pm on 12 August 2015

Fiji's Minister for Public Enterprises Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the New Zealand government has not been following protocol over biosecurity issues with Fiji.

The two sides have been meeting in Nadi over New Zealand's ban on fresh produce from Fiji today.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum told FBC news New Zealand's Ministry of Primary Industries has not been following the proper system for communication in some areas.

He says the competent authority for biosecurity matters is the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji and all lines of communication should go through the authority.

The broadcaster reports the New Zealand official is also meeting representatives of the firm which treats Fiji's fruits and vegetables for export, Nature's Way Cooperative Fiji.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum says the government is hopeful the ban on eggplant, mango, breadfruit and papaya will be lifted soon.

Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Fiji's Attorney-General Photo: RNZ / Republika