The Fijian Made-Buy Fijian Campaign had successfully registered 1551 products and licensed 321 companies, Faiyaz Koya told members of the House yesterday.

The Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism said the Fijian private sector had broadly endorsed the campaign.

Mr Koya said there were currently 176 crafters registered under the ‘Fijian Made-Buy Fijian Campaign’ which included 428 different products.

“These women and men form part of the micro, small and medium enterprises sector, which contributes approximately 10 per cent towards the Fijian economy,” he said.

Mr Koya said it was no secret that the tourism industry contributed 32 per cent of Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“This sector directly employs 41,500 people, which accounts for 12.3 per cent of Fiji’s total labour force and currently collects revenue of $1.56billion.”

Mr Koya said the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian Campaign would create synergies and would elevate the reach of the campaign to markets beyond Fiji’s borders.

He also said the Fijian Tourism Expo was Fiji’s premiere tourism industry event which provided Fijian stakeholders the opportunity to showcase their products and services including Fijian Made products.

“This year marked the third year consecutive year of the Expo and which a great success was with 100 Fijian tourism operators exhibiting over the three days facilitating 8880 appointments between buyers and sellers,” he said.

He said the added exposure of Fijian Made products helped establish new market linkages with tourism businesses, retail companies and art galleries in Fiji and abroad.

Edited by Manasa Kalouniviti