Employing an estimated 4000 people and supporting over 8000 others who live under the poverty line, the Textile, Clothing and Footwear industry still plays a critical role in poverty alleviation in the country.

And after a tough past 12 months, monthly exports from the 35 export oriented factories in Fiji are expected to stablise as many factories have right sized their capacity and with the industry into its peak season, stakeholders believe the government has now recognised the TCF sectors importance in economic development and employment generation.

TCF Council President Kalpesh Solanki told Fijivillage that so far this year, the industry exports total around $80 million, lower from the $110 million in 2008, a reduction of 25 percent.

However, Solanki believes the government's landmark decision to give a $300,000 marketing grant for the next three years will go a long way in assisting the TCF industry to increase its presence and penetration into the Australia, New Zealand and US markets and assist in achieving their target of over $150 million in exports a year and to employ over 6000 people.

With 2010 National Budget just around the corner, Solanki said the TCF stakeholders have made submissions on how the state can further assist the industry.

This includes the re-introduction of the Tax free factory incentive scheme, the urgent need for the establishment of a National and Sectoral productivity targets and to establish a national charter of "Full Employment target".

Solanki added, the industry also commends the new scheme to set up sewing factory's to employ women on welfare in order to reduce their dependancy on welfare assistance and they believe more such factories are needed in the country to help people get out of the poverty cycle.

The 2010 National Budget will be announced next Friday.