Garment Second To Gold
The garment industry has stood tall during two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, president Warwick Pleass said. “With numerous members being involved in our Fiji Australia Business executive committee council, we welcome the resilience of that industry during a very difficult time,” he said.
Tuesday 01 February 2022 | 12:00
Garments is the second highest on the list of Fiji’s exports to Australia in what the industry has described as the highest ranking since the hey days 20 years ago. Photo : Investment Fiji.
Garment is now Fiji’s second highest export to Australia.
The highest ranking for the sector since the heydays pre-2001.
Textile Clothing and Footwear Council in Fiji president, Mike Towler said it was encouraging to be able to continue to grow businesses in Fiji during a very difficult and trying time.
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“It is a testament to the hard work of our industry council, our individual members, and our very hard working Fijian staff,” he said.
Garment export to Australia previously ranked seventh or eighth, Mr Towler said.
“Our reputation of being a reliable supplier in the middle of a worldwide pandemic has been enhanced over the past 12 months,” he said.
“We need to keep reminding our customers that Fiji is not just a safe holiday destination, but a place where they can get their garments manufactured by competent good quality manufacturers.”
Mr Towler said Asian suppliers were not always open for business like Fiji.
“Now, customers who were exclusively sending their orders to Asia have turned to us,” he said.
“We were open and operating. “Vinaka to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama; he kept us open.”
He hailed Mr Bainimarama, who stood up for the industry in the face of “howling” criticism to shut down the sector.
“Vinaka Prime Minister Bainimarama, get well again and come back soon,” he said.
“We need you back at the helm as there are storms in front of us.”
The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry Council President Michael Towler.
“The council congratulates them on this notable achievement of rising to number two on the list of Fijian exports to Australia, over the past 12 months,” Mr Pleass said.
“They are looking forward to another good year in 2022.”
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