Promote Fiji-made products

29/04/2010

The Attorney-General and Minister for Trade and Commerce, Mr Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, said discussions held with stakeholders at the ‘Made in Fiji’-Buy Fiji’ consultation today in Suva was very productive and frank.

Minister Sayed-Khaiyum said it indicated that issues pertaining to ‘Buy Fiji’ or ‘Made in Fiji’ aren’t necessarily simple. He added though that the issues are not insurmountable as they can be solved if an industry approach is taken.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum also raised that issues pertaining to shelf space needs resolving to implement this initiative.

“For example, if a supermarket is not going to put it [Fiji-made product] on the shelf space, then how will I be able to buy it? So there are issues pertaining to supermarkets. Should supermarkets be roped in? How should they be roped in, should retail outlets store Fijian products or should Fijian products be given priority over other products?” the Minister commented.
fijimade
Participants at the Ministry of Industry & Trade ‘Made in Fiji’ and ‘Buy Fiji’ consultative workshop.
Credit : Ministry of Information

He said people are generally price-sensitive. If the pricing is not right people aren’t going to buy Fijian products.

“But of course price is not always everything.  If it’s quality product then people will probably buy it.”

Another discussion issue needing attention - products made entirely in Fiji as opposed to ready-made products packaged in Fiji.

“So these are some of the issues that we need to be able to identify and discuss and how do we categorise these products. Do we make a distinction between them?”

The Minister said they hope to have a plan in place, in terms of product categorisation and promoting Fijian products to launch the ‘Made in Fiji’ and ‘Buy Fiji’ initiative as soon as possible.

He emphasised the issue of law enforcement relating to standards. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said he believes this can be solved if businesses exercise corporate responsibility.

“There are laws about not labeling goods appropriately, selling expired goods, and that will need to be enforced. But again corporate responsibility will tell you not to do that and that’s the responsibility of being a good corporate citizen. We, as a country, will not progress if people are going to be dishonest and mischievous about their trading practices.”