The government has given licenses to 40 new crafters and renewed licenses for 78 crafters at the 2015 Western Craft Fair in Nadi yesterday.

Industry and Trade Minister – Faiyaz Koya says artisans deserve to be recognized as they have demonstrated authenticity and quality in their work.

Koya assured the 40 new crafters joining the Ministry’s Fijian Made-Buy Fiji family that the Ministry will continue to work to improve their access to markets, both domestically and internationally.

He says the artisans are part of the new army of micro, small and medium businesses that are going to elevate the Fijian economy to the next level.

Out of the 176 licensed artisans, 65 are selling their crafts to renowned retail stores and hotels in Fiji.