THE National Exports Strategy Grant and a marketing grant to the textile clothing and footwear sector has boosted employment and exports and created new market opportunities.
Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya said the ministry was working on strategies to broaden the economic base.
Mr Koya said prior to cyclone, international agencies had released glowing reports on the Fijian economy and projected continuation of healthy growth rates.
“With this strong economic base, we will not have negative growth rates and in fact, we expect that increase in public consumption and high capital expenditure by the Fijian Government will spur our growth and keep our economic momentum moving forward,” he said.
He said unfortunately, Severe TC Winston’s path of destruction cut through some of the manufacturing and agriculture areas.
“The manufacturing sector experienced disruptions along the supply chain due to the damage to infrastructure and utilities, including our telecommunications, power, warehouses and the supply of raw materials,” he said.
According to Mr Koya, some manufacturers in the Western Division were out of commission for about two weeks while others invested heavily in generators to keep the factories running to get their workers back to work.
