A marketing grant cheque of $100,000 was given by the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism to the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council of Fiji yesterday.

This is in relation to trying to create more industries especially in the Western Division and also strengthen the manufacturing sector.

Industry, Trade and Tourism Permanent Secretary Shaheen Ali said it was an initiative that was announced by the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to create services and manufacturing zones.

Mr Ali said the unique thing about the manufacturing zone is that it’s closer to Nadi International Airport and the International Port.

He said there is a need for investors to come to a specially designated place where the infrastructure such as electricity, water, looking for adequate space and IT connectivity is provided.

“The same concept has been successfully tried in China, India and Singapore,” he said.

“It will take some planning, time and investment.

“The ready-made infrastructure in Nadi will have manufacturing companies including IT, business process outsourcing call centre type of operations.”

Mr Ali said this is the type of industries and companies that create the most employment and sustainable employment for our young graduates.

He added the TCF sector in Fiji has reinvented and consolidated itself from five years ago to what it is now.

He said TCF will continue to be one of the major contributing factors to Fiji’s Gross Domestic Product and Fijian export.

“The marketing grant will allow TCF Council to look for new markets in North America, Europe, and Pacific Island Countries and in Asia,” said Mr Ali.

Australia and New Zealand are still Fiji’s largest market to date.

EDITED BY: FARZANA NISHA

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