The International Sugar Council (ISC) elected Fiji to be its Chairman for 2013.
Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama will preside over the meetings of the Council.
He succeeded B C Gupta (Secretary, Food & Public Distribution Ministry of the Indian Government), who held the post during 2012.
Brazil and India respectively proposed and seconded Mr Bainimarama’s name at the 42nd Meeting of the Council held in London on November 30.
The international body has members and officials representing 86 countries across the world, accounting for about 97% of global sugar production.
Fiji was also re-elected to the Administrative Committee of ISC for 2013.
Confidence reposed
Mr Bainimarama said that the move demonstrated the confidence and trust placed by ISC and its member countries on Fiji.
“Whether it is with the ISO, our current chairmanship of the G77 plus China or our peacekeeping operations for the UN, Fiji takes its international obligations very seriously. It is a privilege, not a burden, to serve,” he said.
Mr Bainimarama said that Fiji would do its best to advance the cause of ISC and millions of people throughout the world who depend on sugar for their livelihood.
“Beyond the experience of my own country, each of us has our own story to tell, which is why this Forum is very important. It is a place where we can share our experiences, swap ideas, learn about new developments in the industry and forge new partnerships,” he said.
Experts and observers said that Fiji’s leadership in ISC came at a crucial time, since the organisation will appoint a new Executive Director to succeed the incumbent Dr Peter Baron (from Germany) on January 1, 2014.
Mr Bainimarama said that his county would host the 43rd session of the Council in June next year.
