Fiji must increase its international competitiveness, minister says
Fiji’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has said that the country’s textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry must increase its international competitiveness.
Ratu Inoke made the comments while commending the Australian government’s extension of the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement (SPARTECA) TCF Provisions Scheme to December 31, 2014.
In a statement from the ministry, Ratu Inoke expressed Fiji’s appreciation for the market access provided under the scheme, which was to a large extent sustaining Fiji’s garment industry.
“In this regard, I acknowledge the level of commitment by Fiji’s industry to improve efficiency, production and innovation,” Ratu Inoke said. “Nonetheless, Fiji's TCF sector needs to implement further reforms in order to diversify and improve its competitiveness and be sustainable in the long term.”
Ratu Inoke said the industry was of vital importance in as far as alleviating poverty and engendering social equality in Fiji was concerned.
He said garment and footwear manufacture was a major contributor to the economy of Fiji generating tens of millions of dollars in export revenue each year.
“90% of employees in the industry are women and in most cases, the sole breadwinner,” he said. “The industry employs 2500 workers but indirectly impacts nearly 16,000 people. Through the scheme, there is potential to turn the garment industry around and increase its contribution towards Fiji’s GDP and social development.”
