Sugar by-products to boost economy

Two sugar by-products planned by the Fiji Sugar Corporation are expected to boost the economy after the sugar industry is restructured, Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase said. The corporation plans to make ethanol and produce electricity for sale.

Mr Qarase urged all industry stakeholders to join hands in ensuring that the restructure program was successful and completed on time. Mr Qarase said equipment and a few specialists from the Sugar Technical Mission of India were expected in the country in a few months.

With the reduction in sugar prices expected in 2007 because of the reduction in subsidies from the European Union, Mr Qarase said a 30% rise in efficiency of the mills was needed to increase production and maintain viability.

Feasibility studies on production of electricity and ethanol were being done. With the price of petrol increasing rapidly on world markets, Mr Qarase said it was important to look at other forms of fuel and possibly look at exporting fuel.