Gounder slams critics of partnership with bilateral partners

The Ministry of Economy Permanent Secretary Shiri Gounder is disappointed some critics have been trying to discredit the genuine partnership between Fiji and our bilateral partners during these challenging time.

Mr Gounder said critics were undermining the hard work of dedicated Ministry of Economy civil servants involved in securing more than $400 million in budget support grants.

He said securing the grant through the Government of Australia and New Zealand reflects the trust the bilateral partners have in Fiji’s public financial management system and reaffirms that Fiji’s socio-economic response to this once in 100 year COVID-19 induced crisis was appropriate.

“It’s unfortunate that some critics have been trying to discredit this genuine partnership between Fiji and our bilateral partners during these challenging times.

“It is also an attempt to discredit and undermine the hard work of many dedicated civil servants at the Ministry of Economy,” he said

“They rose above the challenges in successfully securing these budget support grants which was critical to ensure we sustain Government finances with minimal disruption to public services.

“And our ability to provide almost $500 million in direct income support and relief measures to those affected by the crisis.”

He said Fiji was on a recovery path with a double digit growth projected for 2022

“Nonetheless, we have managed to survive this crisis with the support and dedication of many and it’s now time to rebuild our economy,” Mr Gounder said.

“Securing these large funding support was no easy task, but required tactful negotiation and more importantly completion of a number of reform measures to strengthen public finance management, support private sector development, improve performance of state-owned enterprises and build disaster resilience, among other reform measures

“It is saddening to see that while we give our best to support the nation coming out of this crisis at these extremely challenging times, there are critics who for the sake of criticism are trying to discredit these genuine efforts.

“Nonetheless, we have managed to survive this crisis with the support and dedication of many and it’s now time to rebuild our economy.

“With the successful vaccination rollout we have now managed to open the economy with people getting back to work.

“The worst part of the crisis is now behind us and we are now firmly on a recovery path with a double digit growth projected for 2022.”