Government today acknowledged the crucial role played by the private sector in trying to implement the Buy Fiji Made initiative as basis for their products which are exported.
Attorney General and Minister for Trade and Commerce Aiyaz Sayed - Khaiyum made the comment while opening the Top Executive (TOPEX) meeting of the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi.
Mr Sayed - Khaiyum said the private sector holds the key to growing Fiji's export base and thus is a very fundamental and integral part of the Buy Fiji initiative.
"I would like to acknowledge the input by the private sector and the Fijian companies to be the driving force of the Buy Fijian Made initiative," he said.
The ‘Buy Fijian and Fijian Made’ campaign was launched by the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama on 18th July 2011, with the main objective of ensuring a concerted effort by all stakeholders on marketing local products not only for the local market but also for the international market.
This campaign is also expected to reduce the high import bill, provide local manufacturers an opportunity to further develop their own products and stimulate economic growth in the country.
Government will also provide more incentives in the coming year to promote local products.
Mr Sayed - Khaiyum said a month has been dedicated to the initiative and a lot of awareness towards the initiative will be beefed up.
"November has been the month earmarked for Buy Fiji and you will see a lot of campaign in that respect which will see the final stages of establishing the criteria as to who will be able to get access to those labels and that should be done in the next couple of weeks."
Mr Sayed - Khaiyum urged all companies and business houses to participate in the campaign.
The TOPEX meeting concludes tomorrow.