Garment Makers Combine To Push Into Australia
Six factories, members of the Textile, Clothing & Footwear Council, are represented in Melbourne this week for the three-day Australian International Sourcing Fair.
This has been to further expansion of ‘Make It In Fiji’ branding in the Australian market as well as on a global scale in a fair known as Australia’s biggest in the garment industry.
Market access
Council president Kaushik Kumar said being a small market, Fiji needed to make as much use of such events to ensure market accessibility at all levels.
“We come to the fair as an industry, all collaborating as FIJI TCF. This fair is the largest sourcing fair held in Australia in apparel, accessories, fabrics, home furnishings etc,” Mr Kumar said.
“It is very important that we have this continued support as it brings the industry together in promoting TCF products under the Fiji banner.
“We are up against China, Indonesia, Vietnam , Bangladesh who all occupy a lot of floor space.
“Australia is Fiji’s largest garment export market and it is quite important that we have Fiji’s presence at the fair.”
The fair was made possible through a joint venture with Government’s National Export Strategy programme.
“Though we are a small player in the Australian market, making up under one per cent of Australia’s total garment imports, we are well recognised for our quality products and reliability,” Mr Kumar said.
“The market is very competitive and quite price sensitive so we need to be always mindful about that and what our competitors can offer.”
Mr Kumar said the industry played an important role in the economy bringing in over $100m in foreign exchange earnings and employing over 6000 staff.
We are very pleased with Government support and the recognition it is providing to the TCF sector
The six participants and accredited with the Make It In Fiji brand are United Apparel Limited, Nagsun Apparel Limited, Ranjit Garments Limited, Danam Fiji, Jack’s Garments and Country Outfitters.
The fair ends today. This is the five time council has participated.
Feedback: ranobab@fijisun.com.fj
