Four Clear Outcomes

At the end of the two-day National Economic Summit on Friday, Minister for Finance Biman Prasad said the urgent demands of the people for solutions to their daily challenges, including the rising cost of living was clear.

Mr Prasad assured to pursue the most sustainable solution to improving cost of living challenges that must necessarily come from rising incomes sourced through economic growth.

From the 12 thematic areas, four key takeaways were:

The need for a review of the national minimum wage considering commercial realities, the cost of living and welfare of Fiji’s working poor.

Urged income support to households to address cost of living.

Demand for urgent action for regular and consistent maintenance of public health infrastructure facilities and the delivery of people friendly health services at all levels.

The urgent need to address key challenges concerning aged water supply infrastructure.

Mr Prasad said short term measures, such as directed and targeted assistance for lower-income households, could be improved with increased Government revenue created by a growing economy.

During the summit, a wide crosssection of the community and stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, academia, and industry leaders were invited to participate and contribute towards this important national policy dialogue and consultation process.

The discussions from the two-day summit would help inform the Government’s short, medium, and long-term policies and strategies. “It has been heartening to see the level of engagement and the willingness of our participants to consider the pressing issues facing our economy,” he said. “Although the debate and discussions were vigorous and varied, the full impact of your two-day engagement will only come to fruition as we work together for our nation.

“My ministry will begin to digest the rich suggestions as we prepare the national budget.”

The minister also highlighted the 14 key resolutions identified in the National Economic Summit which immediately needs addressing.

Photo: Leon Lord University of Fiji Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem and Fiji National University Acting Vice Chancellor Unaisi Nabobo-Baba during the 2023 National Economic Summit at the Grand Pacific Hotel on April 21, 2023.

Photo: Leon Lord Participants of Day 2 of the 2023 National Economic Summit at the Grand Pacific Hotel on April 21, 2023.