TCF industry set to benefit from favourable access for exports to Aust

The Fijian Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industry is set to benefit from more favourable access for exports to the Australian market.

This is with the implementation of the Developing Country Preferences by the Australian Government from the 1st of this month.

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism, Faiyaz Koya said the new rules will allow for greater flexibility for exporters to source raw materials from more efficient and cost effective sources, outside of Australia and the Pacific Region.

Koya highlights the DC Preferences will provide Fijian exports more favourable terms of access into the Australian market than the previous South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement–Textile, Clothing and Footwear (SPARTECA‑TFC) Scheme.

Koya added that this is a very positive development for the TCF industry in Fiji.

He stressed that this comes after a request was made by the Fijian Government to the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Julie Bishop, for an extension and a review, with the view to improve the terms and the rules of the previous SPARTECA‑TCF Scheme.

The TCF industry is an integral contributor to the Fijian economy and provides employment to about 5,500 workers.