ePhyto project Fiji
The World Economic Forum contracted GFA to implement the ePhyto Project in Fiji on behalf of the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation. Together with the Biosecurity Authority Fiji (BAF) as the beneficiary, GFA increased the use of electronic Phytosanitary Certificates in Fiji (ePhytos). These certificates had been developed by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC). The project facilitated the secure and efficient trade in plant and plant products in the country, particularly fresh fruit and vegetables, and strengthened Fiji’s capacity for agricultural-based economic development.
The BAF began a basic implementation of the IPPC Generic ePhyto National System (GeNS) in July 2020, and began exchanging ePhytos with New Zealand. However, there were significant gaps in Fijis GeNS implementation that needed to be addressed to realize the full potential of the system. For example, from a business perspective, the entire phytosanitary certification process was still entirely paper-based, and businesses were still not connected to the GeNS system. In addition, the GeNS was only available at the BAF headquarters for the Central Division and at the Nadi Station for the Western Division. Companies in remote areas had to rely entirely on paper-based processes. In addition, processes related to phytosanitary certification, such as High Temperature Forced Air (HTFA), were managed manually and were not integrated into the GeNS. Phytosanitary certification processes for all unregistered exporters (including micro-enterprises, artisans and individuals) were also still paper-based. GeNS exchanged ePhytos with only one country, New Zealand.
The project involved connecting traders and BAF satellite offices to the new system, providing appropriate training on the necessary IT equipment, and assisting BAF in reviewing and revising its practices to take full advantage of the digitization process.
