Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad says Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka is entitled to express an opinion on the National Economic Summit budget issue and he respects that.
Speaking from the US, Professor Prasad says he will discuss this with the Prime Minister when he returns to the country on Sunday.
He had earlier said that the $360,000 allocated for the National Economic Summit is the total budgeted amount and that does not mean all will be spent.
When earlier questioned by fijivillage News on the concerns raised regarding the $360,000 allocation, Professor Prasad says yes, they did promise that consultation and government meetings on a regular basis will be cost effective and not necessarily be held in expensive places.
However he says this summit is a big and major event.
Professor Prasad says the logistics of large numbers and the way in which the summit is planned with plenary and break out groups can’t be held in schools and smaller venues. He says they explored the possibility of the Vodafone Arena, university premises but judging from the response and the request for attendance, they had to limit the number to 500.
Professor Prasad says in fact, they can’t accommodate many more who want to attend.
He says they are actually surprised at the response but they understand that after 16 years, people feel so free to speak and participate.
Professor Prasad says they understand and appreciate the criticisms and they have listened to the various views on the expenditure.
He says that is why they are transparent with the disclosure of the budget and in future, they will always be open and transparent about any expenditure big or small.
The Deputy Prime Minister says they will also explore cheaper options wherever possible for future consultations and it will not necessarily be this big.
He says they are confident that the outcome will be very useful for government in pursuing our development agenda.
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