Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has expressed the Government’s deep appreciation for the Fijian diaspora’s continued support.
While meeting with a large gathering of the Fijian community during an event organized by the Fiji Senior Citizens Organisation in Melbourne, Professor Prasad says the coalition government’s focus has been on rebuilding confidence in the economy and creating opportunities.
Professor Prasad also noted that the Coalition Government, now two and a half years into office, has brought a new era of governance in Fiji—one marked by greater openness, inclusiveness, and accountability.
The Deputy Prime Minister reminded the community that Fiji is celebrating 55 years of independence this year, and under the current government, significant strides have been made in strengthening democracy, removing draconian laws, and restoring freedom of speech.
He says people are now free to speak and criticize the government without fear.
Professor Prasad says they have delivered three national budgets in a short time, which included difficult but necessary reforms in tax policy, social welfare, and scholarships.
He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize Fiji’s health sector, including the construction of a regional hospital, new 100-bed super-specialty hospital and other medical infrastructure upgrades.
The Deputy Prime Minister encouraged Fijians abroad to consider investing, living, and working in Fiji, stressing that citizenship laws have been reformed to make it easier for descendants of Fijian citizens to reside in the country.
He also underlined Fiji’s strong economic recovery, with growth of around 4 percent in 2024 and a similar trajectory expected this year.
Professor Prasad says improved fiscal management, rising tax collections, and renewed investor confidence have driven investments of around $5.8 billion.
He says infrastructure developments such as the upgraded Vanua Levu terminal and new incentives for hotels, tour operators, and real estate further position Fiji as an attractive hub for investment and tourism.
The Deputy Prime Minister also paid tribute to the Fijian diaspora, acknowledging their significant role in supporting the nation through remittances, which is now close to $1.4 billion annually.
He says their hard work and the contributions they send home help families, sustain consumption, and keep our economy moving.
Professor Prasad says the government is deeply grateful to each and every one of them.
He concluded by sharing the government’s vision under the new National Development Plan, which sets out Fiji’s pathway toward becoming a high-income and prosperous nation within the next two to five decades.
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