Australian High Commission
Fiji

TCF industry

Australia: supporting reform and sustainability of Fiji’s TCF industry



15 October 2008


Australia continues to provide technical and training assistance to revitalise Fiji’s textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry.

At the opening of a 2-day Market Development workshop in Suva, Australia’s High Commissioner, Mr James Batley, highlighted the challenges that Fiji’s TCF industry faces, including global competition, declining trade preferences and higher production costs.

The workshop which brings together local TCF managers and Australian industry suppliers, is providing participants with up-to-date information on markets in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Participants will then have the opportunity to identify potential market opportunities and develop detailed strategies to improve the industry’s international market reach and penetration.

This workshop is part of a broader Australia-funded program, valued at F$2.51 million, providing training and technical support to Fiji’s TCF industry. The Fiji TCF Training and Productivity Support Program aims to enhance the sustainability and international competitiveness of the Fiji TCF industry through improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and market reach.

The three year Fiji TCF Program commenced in January 2007 and is being delivered through a series of integrated technical and training interventions focussing on human resource management, operations and market development.

Twelve firms are benefiting from this assistance. These firms represent approximately 80 per cent of export sales made by the TCF sector.

“Australia continues to provide such practical assistance to enhancing opportunities for longer term growth and business development in Fiji,” Mr Batley said.

This program reflects Australia’s commitment to supporting private sector development in the Pacific. This includes enhancing the business enabling environment (e.g. regulatory reform, state owned enterprise reform and improving business services) and direct support to promoting enterprises.

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