18 Aug 2005

Vanuatu seeks clarification of Fiji kava ban

7:05 pm on 18 August 2005

Vanuatu's Director General of Trade, Georges Singana Maniuri, says he is awaiting further clarification of Fiji's six-month ban on Vanuatu kava.

The ban is in response to Vanuatu's restrictions on the importation of Fiji-made biscuits.

Although Vanuatu lifted its ban on Fiji biscuits last month it introduced a quota system to hamper the trade.

Mr Maniuri says his government has to decide quickly what to do next.

"If it is a blanket ban, that will greatly affect Vanuatu farmers and kava exporters to Fiji."

He says Vanuatu is waiting for government leaders to return from PNG later this week before making any decisions.