A ship has finally been made available for trade between Rotuma and Tuvalu.

This government initiative was made possible by Trade Pacific Shipping Agency Limited, that has availed two vessels to cater for this agricultural trade.

Company general manager Sam Narayan yesterday said that their vessels MV Manufolau and MV Nivaga would be used for the trade.

The first trip is expected next week where the first load of root crops will make its way to Tuvalu from Rotuma.

Mr Narayan said they have won the tender to do so following consultations with government. The bilateral agreement between Fiji and Tuvalu was signed in 2008 but it collapsed after three years of existence.

Prime Minister Rear Admiral (Retired) Voreqe Bainimarama then set up a company called Rotuma Export Marketing Company (REMCOL) during his visit as chief guest for the Rotuma Day celebrations in 2011.

Rotuma’s battle too against fruit flies which led to heavy and strict quarantine on the island was also attributed to the breakdown of the trade.

The unavailability too of a proper vessel was also one of the reasons. The short distance between Tuvalu and Rotuma was the reason behind shifting the exporting base to Rotuma apart from the island’s richness.

Mr Narayan said they were supposed to have started with the trade last year