Business View Oceania - Oct 2023

25 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 5, ISSUE 10 TEXT I LE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY F I J I Amongst many other manufacturing industries in Fiji, export-oriented garment sector successfully maintains its own significance in contributing to Fijian economy. Annual garment export is approximately $FJ 120 m in foreign currency and employ over 7,000 local workers, notedly majority are women counterpart. The industry produces popular brands to its major trading partners Australia, New Zealand and to the international market. Fiji TCF industry is adaptable, flexible, fast and firmly committed to meet the expectations of wholesale buyers and retail consumers. Moreover, English as communicating language in Fiji is an additional attribute to the industry which makes convenient not only to the involved stakeholders but also to the clients as well. As one of the major employers in Fiji, textile clothing and footwear industry established the council to advocate textile and footwear products to Fiji and worldwide. The Council’s strategic vision for the industry’s long-term sustainability requires active engagement with a wide variety of stakeholders. This extends from the Executive level of government in Fiji and abroad, to international industry specialists, various NGO’s and social interest groups, through to industry suppliers, local factories and trade unions. “Make it in Fiji” certified garment industry continues quality services along with greater degree of flexibility to fulfills customer demand while considering social responsibility as vital part of routinised activity. Through “MAKE IT IN FIJI “logo, TCF Council initiated a certification program for its members to follow and comply with council established acceptable standards. Member performance are reviewed to assure every clients are satisfied with the services. This is a mandated process for member subscription annually without compromising the quality of the garments produced in Fiji. The council conduct meetings with all members at frequent intervals and the chair of the council invite all members to discuss about ongoing and emerging issues to make decision collectively. Sub committees also appointed whenever necessary while scheduling Annual general meetings at all members convenient times.