NATIONAL: Fijian textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) manufacturers are fearful political unrest in the region could impact ties with Australian fashion businesses.
Fiji TCF Council joint vice president Nilesh Jamnadas said while no trade sanctions had been imposed against the country by Australian authorities, it was a potential public relations disaster for local suppliers.
He said many were still recovering from the last coup in 2000, which had profound implications on their contracts with regional clients. Trade embargos imposed by Australian and New Zealand authorities lead to a crisis of confidence by halting garment imports and exports between Fiji and its two leading export markets.
Close to 30 Fijian TCF manufacturers now serviced Australia and New Zealand with 5000 machinists employed across the board. Jamas was hopeful relations would be maintained for the sake of these workers, many of whom relied on the TCF industry as their sole source of income.
"We have been under these circumstances before. Business should not be greatly affected in the short to medium term, however in the longer term, a situation like this might attract less investors and investment in the TCF industry."
For more on this, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's April 24 edition