The Textile Clothing and Footwear Council of Fiji (TCF Council) is preparing to send representatives to the Australia International Sourcing Fair (AISF) taking place this month. This highly anticipated exhibition marks Fiji’s re-entry into the international sourcing arena following the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic.
The council highlighted Fiji’s role as a crucial sourcing hub for Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands. It also emphasized the significance of the ‘Make it in Fiji’ campaign, which began over a decade ago with support from AusAID. This initiative has revitalized and shaped a previously struggling industry.
Fiji has made strides in creating iconic brand products that cater to customers in diverse markets including America, Australia, New Zealand, and even Europe. What sets Fiji apart from larger manufacturing countries such as China, Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam is its focus on flexibility, quality, and the ability to handle smaller production runs. Moreover, the industry prides itself on an optimistic “can do” attitude, along with a strong commitment to social and corporate responsibilities.
The council underscored the advantages offered by Fijian manufacturers, which include shorter, custom production runs and English-speaking business operations, leading to customer service that can rival the well-known Fiji smile.
Confirmed companies for the AISF include Danam (Fiji) Pte Ltd, Nagsun Apparel Fiji Ltd, and United Apparel (Fiji) Pte Ltd. The event is scheduled to take place at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre in South Bank, Victoria, from November 19-21.
This participation is a hopeful step towards revitalizing Fiji’s textile industry, showcasing its unique capabilities and fostering stronger international connections.
In summary, Fiji’s delegation to the AISF marks a significant opportunity for the nation to demonstrate its strengths in textile production and to expand its market presence as it emerges from the pandemic’s impact.
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