To harness Fijian creativity in the clothing and footwear industry, the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) Council is fully supportive of the new trend taken by the young people of the nation in fashion design.
Council president Kalpesh Solanki says the industry recognizes fashion design as the new trend and an area of opportunity for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Recognizing the Fiji Fashion Week last year, the council has now begun talks to promote this industry not only at vocational level but also at tertiary level.
“The council is also at the forefront of initiating talks between the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Fiji National University to focus on offering fashion design courses in conjunction with overseas established fashion school,” Mr Solanki said.
“More discussions are underway to chart the way forward in this regard. TCF is also ready to assist in the establishment of a Fiji Fashion Council.”
He added this gave an opportunity for creative young Fijians to try their talents in the fashion world.
TCF has been one of the major earners of foreign exchange, bringing in close to $100million annually but Solanki said besides exports, they were looking at other areas locally.
“The council has also worked closely with the Fijian Government to promote Fijian – made clothing and footwear within Fiji,” Mr Solanki said.
Attorney General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum said working collectively to achieve a common goal should be priority.
“It goes to show that in order to move into this niche market, we all have to collaborate. We need a collaborative effort - employers with their employees, with Government, development partners and stakeholders to ensure not just profitability but longevity,” Mr Sayed – Khaiyum said.