MORE THAN 418 companies have joined the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian campaign with about 1590 products licensed, says Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya.
This, Mr Koya said, was not limited to large businesses, but also included a number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
He highlighted this while launching the collaborative three dimension art exhibition – “Born from Fire” at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva.
“From the 418 companies that have joined the campaign, there are 86 enterprises representing Fijian Made,” Mr Koya said.
“This initiative has given a platform to micro enterprises and special recognition to our local talents.”
The “Fijian Made and Buy Fijian Campaign” was mooted by the Fijian Government in 2009 primarily to promote and raise the profile of Fijian made products and produce, both domestically and internationally through a national branding strategy.
This initiative supports government’s import substitution policy aimed at promoting production of items which are heavily imported but can be easily produced or grown in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Koya commended Fijian contemporary artistes Shane Bower and Alice Hill who expertly curated the exhibition of stunning contemporary metal and glass sculptural art that reflects and celebrates the beauty of the country.
“You both have certainly raised the profile of world class artwork, especially 3 Dimensional Art made in Fiji,” Mr Koya said.
“It must have been a challenge but enjoyable journey to put this exhibition together, visiting each other’s studios (Imagination in Metal and Hot Glass Fiji) and creating the initial concepts before bringing them to life.”
Mr Koya said the event was an exclusively noteworthy occasion as “Born from Fire” was Fiji’s first exhibition of its kind – a unique art exhibition of both collaborative and individual works in metal and glass.
“I am happy to mention that Hot Glass Fiji, who is a proud member of the Fijian Made-Buy Fijian family, has been producing glass sculptural products for the past four years and trained local staff to become world class glass blowers,” he said.
The exhibition will be open to the public for ten days with a number of guided tours organised, explaining the materials, method and inspiration behind the work.
