‘Government Confident In Fashion Industry’
The Fijian Government plays an active role in the fashion industry through effective and enhanced collaboration, to build and create brand identity for Fijian designers.
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya made this comment during the Fiji Fashion anniversary and annual awards dinner for the talented and driven individuals within the fashion industry.
Mr Koya said fashion was transforming into a wider, more ambitious and committed business platform.
“Fiji Fashion Week continues to reach new horizons as they have provided a platform for local designers to show their creative skills and encourage the proliferation of globally competitive fashion design,” Mr Koya said.
“We are confident that this industry will give rise to new and aspiring designers to carry the Fijian brand forward to complement Fiji’s retail sector.”
The Ministry has been collaborating with the Fiji Fashion Week to nurture and develop quality locally made products for international visitors through the national brand, Fijian Made.
“The Fijian Made Brand, provides businesses an opportunity to align to the national campaign, when marketing in the domestic or international markets.
“The Business of Fashion training is a result of our collaboration to develop local talent and to enhance their innovative ideas and turn their talents and passion into income-generating ventures.
“Fiji does not currently have the ability to mass produce like large Asian manufacturers, but what we did was we re-invented our textile and clothing industry to produce niche, high-end and now designer garments.”
During the pandemic, the industry worked with the protocols provided by the Ministry, which enabled them to continue operations this meant people continued to be employed.
There are initiatives by the Fijian Government currently in place for your businesses. I encourage you to venture into them. They are after all put in place to assist businesses, namely MSMEs.
FFW founder and chief executive officer Ellen Whippy said FFW had come a long way since its inception 15 years ago.
She added the awards were a way to recognise revolving designers and motivate upcoming designers.
The Ministry hopes to continue to support the fashion industry and explore more collaborations in the future.
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