A-G draws praise for budget
WITH COVID-19 devastating the Fijian economy, Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum should be praised for putting together a path-breaking budget, says Tappoo Group of Companies director Mahendra Tappoo.
Mr Tappoo said the pandemic had imposed unprecedented challenges on the Fijian economy.
“It’s a one in a 100-year event which has shaken the world economy so badly,” he said.
“It has negatively impacted the entire world economy.
“The economic challenges brought about by this pandemic is huge and unprecedented.
“Against this backdrop, the A-G and Minister for Economy must be highly commended for coming up with an admirable, bold, aggressive, positive, optimistic and path-breaking budget with sweeping economic reforms which lays a solid foundation for economic recovery and future prosperity.
“The flow-on benefits of these economic reforms will only be fully realised in the years to come.
“These are steps towards a liberalised and modern economy which is a proven formula for economic success in advanced economies.”
He said the budget must be recognised for coming up with a blueprint that would position Fiji for the future.
“There are stimulus packages, relief for employees, investment incentives, removal of bottlenecks for trade and investment, introduction of a more simplified system of doing business, removal of bureaucracy and so much more.
“For example, the boost for tourism industry. Fiji is so dependent on tourism earnings.”