Government’s Fijian Made campaign to provide authentic ‘Fijian Made’ products has seen 15 new crafters join the 63 others who have received their certification.
The crafters received their certificates from the Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya at a function in Nadi recently during the Western Craft Exhibition.
The provision of certificates to Fijian crafters is part of Government’s commitment to the industry to safeguard Fijian traditional knowledge and for authentication.
“This is a very bold step for our fellow crafters who continue to recognize that their art not only is sold in the markets but also that it is authentic,” Minister Koya said.
“In summary we can truly say that the Fijian Crafted Brand is now acting as an authentic label which signifies authenticity, quality Crafts and Cultural that people can buy and value which is part of our cultures and traditions and hoping to be sustained and consistent to create a very resilient economy from within.”
The week also saw the awarding Fijian Made licenses to 15 craftspeople and Renewing 63 Fijian Crafted Licenses which has expired as part of the Government’s ‘ Fiji Made-Buy Fijian’ campaign.
The Awards is the 4th round of Licenses to be issued to craftspeople since the certification was instated in June 2013.
“We have 79 License Holders to date and an extra 15 approved applicants have been handed out.”
The certification allows a member of the Fiji Craft Society to promote authentic Fijian Made Products and giving them an opportunity to empower craft practitioners showcase their skills at National, Regional and the International markets as Fijian Crafted is a brand that identifies and benchmarks Fijian quality, standards and promotes skilled craftsmanship, the Fijian Crafted logo provides the platform for crafters to be mainstreamed into, and share in Fiji’s economic growth.