Only 29 members, and failing. The reality for the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council – which has met with more than its fair share of challenges over the years –
The textile clothing and footwear industry employs many Fijians. File Photo
Only 29 members, and failing.
The reality for the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council – which has met with more than its fair share of challenges over the years – could not be more bleak.
Fighting for its survival is almost pointless, as its life expectancy hinges on its last leg.
At the rate of dwindling interest among its active members – most of whom are exporters – the council will eventually disappear as an entity.
The members who rely on the local and regional markets, have withdrawn active participation in the export-oriented council, for the fact that they have become a cash cow for the Government.
Taxed into oblivion, the industry is dying in Fiji and will eventually disappear.
Plagued by shipping costs, skilled labour shortages, poor productivity, some businesses are only 18-24 months away from closure.
It’s killing them.
To suggest an exercise in new industries would be impossible in an economy like ours when first of all, our skilled workers are exported to Australia and New Zealand.
The shipping costs into and out of Fiji are exorbitant.
Commercial chances of survival are slim in Fiji, particularly for industries that depend on shipping; it cannot survive in a place like this.
New industry is just not possible without fixing the glaring structural challenges.
The situation is not helped by the banking industry which does not have the capacity to understand anything outside the box; their comprehension appears to be limited to lending for basic items, the likes of which include television screens, refrigerators, motor vehicles and housing.
The bread-and-butter lending that they understand is easy.
The bigger picture they fail to see.
Feedback: frederica.elbourne@fijisun.com.fj
