Fiji garment industry is not the backbone of the manufacturing sector in terms of consistency, organisation and structure, but the industry is of particular significance and importance due to its rapid ascent in becoming the country's number one key export It remains a critical industry for the economy and a source of employment for the poor, according to Fiji Export Council CEO Jone Cavubati.

He said that the industry employed a large number of people, the sector provided employment for more than 1000 people alone, the garment factories were expanding around the country including the recent $10million factory in Lautoka, which was great testament to the growth of the industry.

In terms of export, the industry was progressing well considering the competition with Australia and New Zealand. The two countries are Fiji's main markets.

Fiji can meet small orders compared with China and other Asian countries that only manufacture bulk orders. With flexible orders, Fiji could cater for the export of 10 to 1000 uniforms.

The advantage is that they have daily flights to Australia so they can meet small orders — this is their major strength, Mr Cavubati said.

The increase in cost was one of the major concerns for the ease of doing business in Fiji.