Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited General Manager Shakeel Maharaj says Vietnam is ready to buy the Fijian branded mahogany.

Speaking to FBC News, Maharaj says this is good news as it will also attract other buyers from the Asian market.

FHCL will also look to secure the Japanese and Chinese market for our mahogany.

However, Maharaj says FHCL first has to get the required third party certification needed in order to sell our mahogany to the Asian Market.

The PSE Certification is being done by an independent body and it is basically a confirmation that Fiji has substantial mahogany and that we are compliant with all necessary requirements.

Maharaj says once this is done, our mahogany will be marketed worldwide.

“As soon as we do that, what will happen is that our product for Fiji local mahogany branding will be in the overseas market – at the high end. So, with that done, we would be able to secure market in Asia, Pacific and everywhere.”

Fiji currently sells mahogany to markets in New Zealand, Australia, and the US.