Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Faiyaz Koya has encouraged the Fijian fashion industry to adopt e-commerce.

He made the comment at Tracey Farrington’s Fiji Made Collection show in Nadi.

“Fijian designers like Tracey have an open door to the internet, social media and e-commerce,” Mr Koya said.

“As a spirited industry, they are able to build new models of businesses that balance partnership between wholesale and a direct-to-consumer model.”

“The Fijian Government recognises the demand and potential out there in the digital economy, particularly in the e-commerce space.”

Supporting Fijian talent to develop sustainable businesses was a must, Mr Koya said.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya with fashion designer Tracey Farrington.

“I encourage designers to be bold in design and in business,” he said.

Mr Koya said he was often reminded about how well-regarded Fiji was in the field of fashion.

“In culture, innovation, fashion, and creativity, we enjoy a unique advantage,” he said.

Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya speaking at the launch of the Tracey Farrington’s Fiji Made Collection in Nadi.

“We have great Fijian designers and brands – Duatani, NV Designs, House of Mausio, Robert Kennedy Fiji, Kuiviti Pacific and Hupfeld Hoerder Designs amongst others – which bring together a sense of place to create unique products.”

“What all of you are doing here is creating an expression that extends beyond just fashion.”

“When someone wears one of your designs, they also wear a part of our unique culture, our tradition – and that’s symbolic.”

Tracey Farrington during the launch of the Tracey Farrington’s Fiji Made Collection in Nadi.

Ms Farrington has been in Fiji’s fashion industry since the 80s, as a designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and visual retailer, Mr Koya said.

She also supplies fashion pieces to boutiques around the world, including Myers and David Jones in Australia for the past 25 years.

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