Fiji, Oct. 14 -- Pacific officials are working to develop harmonised kava standards to strengthen product quality, safety and authenticity and improve access to regional and international markets.

The work is being advanced at the third Technical Committee Meeting on Regional Kava Standard Development, held in Nadi from 12 to 14 October under the Pacific Quality Infrastructure Initiative (PQII).

The meeting is focused on developing practical and robust regional standards to improve the consistency and quality of Pacific kava and strengthen confidence in the product across markets.

Speaking at the opening, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat Team Leader Trade Natalia Patternot said the committee's work was directly aligned with the region...