Fiji's Black Pearl Has Potential In The US Market

Fiji black pearl has potential in the illustrious US market

Jul 28, 2008 - Black pearl farmers in Fiji have the potential to compete and attract buyers in the illustrious US market.

This was confirmed by Fiji's Trade Commissioner to America, Mr Ilisoni Vuidreketi who says Fiji's pearl industry has a lot of potential and the Commission is spearheading efforts to bring in buyers to meet farmers directly to convey to them the desired quality and potential for increased supply.

"The message here is very clear, Fiji's black pearl industry holds a lot of potential for growth and the Trade Commission is ready to send US buyers directly to the village farmers to buy all the pearls they can produce.

But our farmers need help to increase and expand their supply qualities and volumes at the production level," Mr Vuidreketi said.

The Trade Commissioner added the recent visit of black pearl jeweler in the US, Ms Carolyn Ehret said she was disappointed to have not been able to buy more pearls and plans to add Fiji to her future list of suppliers to cater for the market in the US.

"We use Government's 'National Export Strategy' as a guide to determine our target export sectors. Black pearl stood out as an emerging resource based commodity that holds a lot of potential for growth and expansion, but needs direct support in marketing and market access."Mr Vuidreketi said.

The Fisheries Department and the Commodity Development Framework had created this black pearl initiative in 1998 with 10 farms of which four were owned by foreigners and six by local villagers operating in Vanua Levu.

The black pearl industry has traditionally been dominated by Tahiti and The Cook Islands.

ENDS

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