Minister Excited for World Bank’s Visit

Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island that has been neglected over the years

The World Bank’s Vanua Levu-focused team is expected to be in Fiji soon. Minister of Rural and Maritime Development, Inia Seruiratu said he was excited for their visit.

During his one-day visit to the North recently, he said this was something that had been with the Government since 2007 as it was part of the Northern development plan.

“The Minister for Economy AttorneyGeneral Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum discussed opportunities for investment in support of sustainable livelihoods during a meeting with the World Bank Country Director of Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands, East Asia and Pacific Region, Stephen Ndegwa, and the Regional Operations Manager, Paul Vallely, on Easter Sunday afternoon,” Mr Seruiratu said.

“Vanua Levu is Fiji’s second largest island that has been neglected over the years.”

He said for major investments, infrastructure was very critical and that was something probably the World Bank report would first look into.

“We need to have international ports whether it be sea ports or airports so that the connectivity is there and then of course the key utilises that come with it as well,” he said.

As minister for rural development, he said he welcomed the team and development plan as Vanua Levu deserves that.