SUVA, Fiji (30 Sep 2000) -- Despite international condemnation of apartheid policies, trade sanctions and devastating losses to the tourist industry, Fiji's interim government remains defiant. Officials are now predicting that Fiji's garment industry, the country's largest employer, will collapse as early as next month following Australia's withdrawal of trade concessions. Australia purchases over 70% of Fiji's garment production under an export credit scheme which gives Fiji garment makers duty-free access to the Australian market. Australia's Foreign Minister, Alexander Downey, said the government will not renew the concessions until Fiji returns to democracy. | | Racist rebel leader George Speight The latest economic bad news follows the collapse of Fiji's tourist industry which has cost the country millions dollars. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
