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Issue No: 561; 7 March 2001
Another garment factory based in Western Viti Levu is to be closed during the next fortnight. Sources indicate that the factory is facing difficulties over getting adequate orders from source markets. The factory employs over 300 workers. The workers have not been informed of the closure move. Meanwhile most of Fiji's larger factories are still operating on a 3 to 4 day per week cycle. Many factories have reportedly reduced the wages of the workers as well. One manufacturer has stated that the garment industry is doomed because the manufacturers have lost faith in the country's institutions to maintain the rule of law. He cited the continuing reluctance of the Qarase regime to resign despite the court ruling it illegal. He also stated that corruption is rising and that "clean investors" would find no place in the country. Meanwhile the Fiji Sugar Corporation announced that it needs to borrow $122m to salvage the company from its financial problems. The company is expecting a loss of $12m for the 2000 season which ends at the end of March. It has forecasted a larger loss for the next season. |
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People's Coalition Government - Fiji Islands |
