In addition,  BIS Review 86/2010  3  since 2005, the industry suffered the loss of a quota system for garment exports to the United States, which saw the closure of a major garment manufacturer, which generated approximately 50% of total garment production. Moreover, the implementation of the minimum wage regulation effective from July 2009, has increased the cost of producing garments.
On average, the industry contracted by 6.5 percent from 2006 to 2009. These developments have further weakened garment production. Strategies are needed to revive the garment industry as we have seen that Fiji’s garment industry is able to produce high quality garments. What about the forestry sector? Over the last 15 years, timber production has fallen notably.