GAUNAVOU Cooperative Ltd (GCL), a community-based initiative, has achieved national recognition for its locally crafted Vugalei beds.
The Ministry of Trade has officially certified the quality of these beds with the prestigious Fijian-made emblem. This recognition follows the recent renewal of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between GCL and Vision Investment Ltd (VIL), the parent company of Courts Fiji Ltd.
The initial MOU, signed in 2023, facilitated Courts Fiji Ltd’s commitment to purchasing beds produced by GCL, thereby establishing a stable market for the community venture. The collaboration was made possible through the training of youths from the Vugalei District in timber processing and manufacturing. The Ministry of Forestry further supported the initiative with a forestry subsidy grant of $29,864.80, which enabled the acquisition of value-adding machinery by GCL.
Since receiving the machinery in April 2023, GCL has processed beds worth $70,209.20, demonstrating significant growth in a short period. Under the renewed MOU, GCL will supply 80 beds monthly, up from the previous 60, in various sizes, including double, queen, and king.
GCL chairman Josua Seduadua hailed the extended partnership, emphasizing the community’s commitment to meeting increased demand.
“From 60 beds, we will now be supplying 80 beds ranging from double, queen, and king size beds,” said Mr Seduadua.
Anil Senewiratne, head of business development at Vision Investment Ltd, praised the quality of Vugalei beds and highlighted their popularity among customers, likening them to established brands like Hisense.
Minister for Fisheries and Forestry Kalaveti Ravu commended the achievement, noting its significance for stakeholders and the broader forestry industry.
“The aim is to increase efficiency, which means greater recovery rates from the processing of logs, which will generate more value and employment, hence increasing the contribution of the forestry sector to Gross Domestic Product,” he said.
