Supporting the unemployed and getting people back to jobs will be a key focus of the budget – Sayed-Khaiyum

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says supporting the unemployed and getting people back to jobs will be a key focus of the National Budget.

Sayed-Khaiyum held discussions with members of the Suva Retailers Association, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Non-Government Organisations, Civil Society Organisations and the Fiji Bus Operators Association yesterday.

He explained the government's current approach in terms of containing/managing the virus and shared the broad strategy guiding the formulation of the upcoming budget.

Participants shared their views on the current challenges inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic and provided suggestions for the upcoming budget.

Discussions also focused on vaccination, safe reopening of businesses, relief for employers and employees and overall economic revival.

Sayed-Khaiyum also highlighted that to support women, government is working on providing sanitary pads to young women and girls in primary and high school which will be fully paid for by the government.

The CSOs participants also included members from the Fiji Council of Social Services, LifeFlight Fiji, Empower Pacific, Femlink Pacific, Rainbow Pride, Asia Pacific Forum on Families International, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens Constitutional Forum, Reproductive Health Association of Fiji, Foundation for Education of Needy Children and Save the Children Fund.

The 2021/2022 National Budget will be delivered by Sayed-Khaiyum on Friday 16th July at 7.30pm.