The Ambassador of the Republic of Fiji to the Republic of Indonesia, H.E. Ambassador Amena Yauvoli and Mr. Isaac Grace, Counsellor, The Embassy of the Republic of Fiji in Jakarta visited ICC Secretariat, on 25 January 2023, as part of the exchange of activities between ICC and the related member country embassies in Jakarta, Indonesia over the years.
H. E. Ambassador Amena Yauvoli expressed his gratitude towards involving Fijian colleagues from the Ministry of Agriculture, who have participated in different ICC programs including the training course conducted during the pandemic. Ambassador Amena commended the commitment and leadership of the ICC and wish to explore opportunities and areas of deeper cooperation in a post-pandemic world, as ICC is a strategic partner for Fiji because of the the importance of coconut in the life of Fijian. Although the sector is declining due to several challenges. But Fiji would like to continue to participate effectively in the ICC program during the year and in coming days.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC, mentioned that the presence of the H.E Ambassador reflects his interest in coconut development. Fiji has been an active member of ICC since 1989. She was so grateful and feel blessed with the active involvement and participation of Fiji in ICC, as a big family. Dr. Jelfina presented the ICC”s major program for 2023, and the highlights of ICC activities/program of 2022, including the COCOTECH Conference and Exhibition, Session and Ministerial Meeting, workshops and symposiums on good agricultural practice, tissue culture and World Coconut Day. She also presented the market trends and the potential to improve the welfare of coconut farmers and to address environmental issues through the development of high-value products to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs).
H. E. Ambassador Amena Yauvoli mentioned that he needs to step up Fiji’s engagements with ICC in a much more elaborate and meaningful way, in terms of Fiji’s strategic direction on the coconut sector and a better link with ICC’s strategic plan forward, as coconut still plays an important role in Fiji’s socio-economic development, and to learn from the knowledge expertise and the smart technologies that have been developed in other ICC member countries. The meeting was conluded with the presentation of ICC plaques and publications to H.E. Ambassador.