More markets needed for Fiji virgin oil

[Stacey King]

FBCL NEWS Monday, November 07, 2011

Taken from / By: Google

Calls are being made for the government to assist in creating more local and international markets for virgin oil.

Roynal Rajiv Chand whose family runs a virgin oil factory in the North says virgin oil is good money - but not as profitable as they'd like.

According to Chand there are just two markets in the country for virgin oil and when there are no orders - they have had to shut the factory down.

"I would just ask government to set up a small body looking after markets for coconut virgin oil and help people who are producing this so that it is more convenient to us, we don’t have to run around and hunt the markets for ourselves. Another thing is that majority of markets overseas require a lot of certifications and certifications require a lot of money. If we are given assistance on certifications, then we can give that money back to government by paying tax."

Meanwhile Chand has acknowledged the Northern Development Program saying it has allowed them to expand production and facilities.

Report by : Roland Koroi