The European Union has reaffirmed its commitment to help the Fijian Government fight its second wave of COVID-19 by providing a further $12.3 million to support sustainable rural livelihoods.
The budget support to sustainable rural livelihood in Fiji is worth a total of 20 million EUR or approximately FJ$50 million and covers a 3 year period from 2020 to 2022.
The disbursement of the second annual tranche of EUR 5 million follows the first payment of EUR 8 million last year.
This budget support contributes to the implementation of the Strategic Development Plan of the Ministry of Agriculture and the transfer of funds is concurrent with the results achieved in its implementation.
The European Union Ambassador to Fiji, Sujiro Seam says the budget support of $12.3 million demonstrates the EU's commitment to stand with the Government of Fiji as it battles its second wave of COVID-19.
He says it provides a welcome financial relief in a difficult fiscal environment.
Seam says it is aligned with the national strategy to enhance the rural livelihood, generate income and employment opportunities, support diversification and competitiveness, contribute to food and nutrition security and improve services and infrastructure.
He says consistent with the European Green Deal, it promotes climate smart and environmentally friendly agriculture.
Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum welcomed the timely budget support from the EU, saying the budget for this financial year has funded sweeping socio-economic protections for the Fijian people amidst the ongoing global pandemic, including targeted support to the agricultural sector to strengthen Fiji’s food and nutrition security.
He says with the Fijian Government’s support, the farmers are increasingly meeting more domestic demand for produce and building the Fijian brand of quality in overseas markets, creating sustainable livelihoods and sources of income in this growing sector.
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