Local manufacturer faces quarantine challenges

A local manufacturer of safety and sports gear has raised concerns on the quarantine challenges he is facing in the Australian market.

Performance Flotation Development (PFD) managing director Michael Towler said the company has been facing problems with cargo clearance in Australia from the Quarantine team.

“I have put my concerns to the High Commission of Australia but it is not helping. Our customers want the product delivered on time,” said Towler.

Another concern the company raised was of shipping challenge.

 “There is no direct shipping service to Australia.

This adds up sea time. Our products are exported both by air and sea. This delay tactics on biosecurity issues whereas the same product from the Asian market has no delays.”

 The Attorney-General and Minister for Industry and Trade, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said Government will support such niche markets which assists the Fijian economy grow.

 “We can get the Biosecurity office to contact and liaise with the team there and also talk with Australian authorizes”, Sayed-Khaiyum.

 He also commended on the wage rate for workers at the company.

 Towler said they have a competitive rate and they are not simply a garment industry as the workers have learnt other skills and applied this to their work.

The company has 185 overall staff of which 78 are factory workers.

The company’s main market for export is Australia and New Zealand and imports all raw materials from India, China, Australia.

By Ropate Valemei