The Interim Prime Minister has also directed that the new wages order which was to come into effect on the 1st of February now be deferred to the 1st of July.

Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the timing is not right as the demand for goods and services exported by Fiji has been affected by the global financial crisis.

He said our industries are making adjustments to cope with the recession faced in several of our markets and we have had some setbacks with the floods last month.

As a result, Bainimarama said it is prudent that there is support for our industries and businesses to cope with such challenges.

As part of the new wage order, there was to be a 20% wage increase in the garment industry.

The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Association is expected to comment on the matter later.