Trading 19 Licences Approved for Fijian-Made

MARAIA VULA
SUVA
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has this year given 19 new licences for the use the Fijian-Made Crafted logo.
Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade Shaheen Ali said: “Since the launch in 2011 the new licensees will bring the total number of companies that are part of the campaign to 174 companies and over 877 products have been licensed so far.
“The new licensees that were awarded the certificates are mainly from the small and medium enterprise and our local handicrafters.
“This is very much in line with the Bainimarama Government’s vision to empower our grassroots community and create sustainable livelihood.
“And for the first time our crafters are being connected to the main stream market and economy. They have also been recognized for their home grown talent.”
The first Fijian-Made Campaign Facebook competition winners were announced yesterday at the Attorney-General Chambers on Victoria Parade.
This is part of Government will continue in its 2014 work programme, to market Fijian Made as a reliable and a value-for-money brand in the local, regional and international markets.
Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum acknowledged people’s support of Fijian-Made products.
Ten winners walking away with tablets and a major cash prize of $1000.
“We used Facebook to promote Fijian Made products. Of course it does reach out to Fijians living overseas.
“We want them to participate and hopefully they buy authentic Fijian made products.
“With the Facebook competition launch as you have seen we have 52,900 likes for the page and I would also like to thank Vodafone for coming forward with the prizes that we will be giving out.”
He added that there are already plans to host another competition.
“So this will be an ongoing effort to promote Fijian Made products for people to be able to understand that if you buy Fijian products you will be creating a lot of jobs.”
Feedback: Maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj