Cabinet approves formulation of a new National Development Plan

The Cabinet has approved the framework, processes, approach and timelines for the formulation of a new National Development Plan by the recently re-established Strategic Planning Office in the Ministry of Finance.

The government says the new plan will cover the 3 years, 2024-2026 and a 20-year plan for national development which will set the long-term development aspiration for Fiji as their primary objective in formulating the plan is to enhance the overall well-being of all by pursuing a path of inclusive and sustainable development.

They say the 5-year and 20-year plan launched in 2017 by the previous Government have become obsolete due to unattainable targets which are inflexible in responding to multifaceted challenges which include geostrategic priorities, climate change, adverse weather conditions and changes in political mandate. The government says one of the key difficulties in achieving the strategic priorities of the 5-year and 20-year development plans launched in 2017 is the lack of a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach to policy monitoring and evaluation following the closure and dis-establishment of the Strategic Planning Office by the previous government.

They say the consultation will be a cornerstone in the process of formulating the new NDP that will ensure ownership and cohesion in policy implementation and accountability.

According to the government it is also anticipated that the new NDP will align and harmonize Fiji’s international and global commitments, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Following the National Economic Summit which was held on 20-21 April 2023, some of the guiding principles for the formulation of the new plan identified were the inclusive and participatory approach, informed by evaluation and data, good governance and transparency, leaving no one behind, sustainable economic recovery - setting the fundamental building blocks for Fiji's inclusive medium-term economic growth strategies and mitigating the impact of climate change and protecting our environment.

The Strategic Planning Office will reconvene the 12 Working Groups established in the National Economic Summit to ensure continued consultative dialogue with stakeholders in the formulation of the plan.

A nationwide consultation on the new plan is planned to commence in February 2024 while the new plan is planned to be finalised and approved by mid-2024.