$500m relief, VAT slashed to 12.5%
FIJIANS across the country can breathe a sigh of relief, with many taking to social media yesterday to welcome the announcement of a reduction in value added tax (VAT). After years of widespread calls for a decrease in VAT, the Coalition Government finally responded yesterday, announcing a decrease from 15 per cent to 12.5 per cent in VAT, effective from August 1, 2025. Delivering his opening remarks at the 2025-2026 Budget announcement, Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad called the move a “bold decision’ by Government. “To cushion the impact of external price pressures on cost of living, we are making some bold decisions today (yesterday),” he said. “The reduction in VAT will deliver tax relief of $250million to our people. This is in addition to the $250million in relief provided through the continuation of the zero-rated VAT on the 22 essential items – that is a total of $500million in VAT relief for our people.” Prof Prasad said VAT collection had increased as a result of improved compliance and reporting and the economy’s strong post- COVID recovery. He said they had maintained zero VAT on 22 items including prescribed medicines. The 22 VAT-free items are flour, rice, sugar, canned fish, cooking oil, potato, onion, garlic, baby milk, powdered milk, liquid milk, dhal, tea, salt, soap, soap powder, toilet paper, sanitary pads, toothpaste, kerosene, cooking gas, and prescribed medicines. Prof Prasad said the VAT refund scheme for construction of homes would continue, where any person constructing their first home is eligible to a refund of all VAT paid on construction material up to a value of $120,000. Government is introducing the VAT Monitoring System to improve tax administration for all businesses with annual turnover of $50,000 or more. Prof Prasad said two new VAT refund initiatives would also support government’s social and environmental objectives. “VAT refunds will be available for capital investments in residential solar projects, helping households transition to clean energy. “Additionally, households that rebuild or repair homes damaged by termites will now be eligible for VAT refunds on construction costs – providing critical relief for affected families.”
$10m to combat Fiji’s HIV crisis
GOVERNMENT has allocated $10million in the 2025–2026 National Budget to confront the country’s escalating HIV crisis. Announcing the funding in Parliament yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad said the move underscores the government’s commitment to preventing a “potential public health disaster”. This all comes months after Health Minister, Atonio Lalabalavu’s declaration of a HIV national outbreak. “The HIV epidemic is now a serious growing threat to Fiji,” Prof Prasad said. “There are now approximately 7000 HIV cases in the country, and we cannot afford to ignore this rising trend.” He said drug use and needle sharing are responsible for around 50 per cent of the increase in HIV infections. Practices such as blood-sharing or “bluetoothing” have become common among users, exacerbating the spread of the virus. “To fight this, Government is allocating $10million for a comprehensive approach to testing, prevention, public awareness, and controlling the spread of HIV. “We are determined to tackle this health emergency before it becomes an uncontrollable national crisis.” He added that the HIV response forms part of a wider national strategy that also includes strengthening the police force, enhancing border protection, closing regulatory gaps, and prioritising public health and safety. “These actions represent a clear and coordinated response to crime, drugs, and public health threats.”
$284m allocated for major water infrastructure upgrades
GOVERNMENT has allocated $284million to Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) in the 2025–2026 National Budget to support major upgrades to water sources, treatment plants, pipelines, and pump stations across the country. Speaking in Parliament, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the water sector is in a state of crisis because of decades of under investment, ageing infrastructure, and major capacity issues. “In this budget, the Water Authority of Fiji is provided increased funding of $284m to fix the infrastructure, including upgrading of water sources and treatment plants, reticulation and distribution and non-revenue water reduction,” he said. Prof Prasad said that a $12m project will construct a new 20- megalitre Water Treatment Plant to serve 230,000 people in Suva, Lami, and Nasinu. He said another key investment includes 11.7 kilometre of new water mains and two new reservoirs to supply elevated areas 6/28/25, 4:58 PM The Fiji Times along Princess Rd. “This project will ensure that the elevated areas such as Sakoca, Nagatugatu, Tacirua, Dokanaisuva and Colo-i-Suva that faces continuous intermittent water supply will be able to receive 24/7 reliable water supply.” Prof Prasad said that water systems in Navua, Wainadoi, Tailevu, Naitasiri, Ra, Tavua, Ba, and Taveuni will also receive significant upgrades. He also announced projects in the North which include the Benau Treatment Plant and a new 19km pipeline extension from Wailevu to Tabia with a new reservoir at Vatudova.
New taskforce to enforce price drops from tax cuts
A JOINT enforcement taskforce has been established to ensure that recent tax and duty reductions are passed on to consumers, rather than absorbed by businesses. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad made the announcement in Parliament during the 2025-2026 National Budget address, saying the taskforce was designed to monitor ground-level prices and prevent unfair practices. Simply put, the taskforce will make sure that instead of the tax savings staying with businesses, shoppers should benefit by paying less for food and essentials, saving more money on weekly groceries and having better access to important items at affordable prices. “This has been set up to monitor prices closely on the ground to ensure the benefits of tax reductions are passed onto our people,” he said. The government has provided over $500million in tax relief through VAT reductions and duty concessions on essential goods, and the taskforce has been mandated to ensure that the intended relief reaches the public. Prof Prasad warned businesses against exploiting the tax cuts for profit, describing such behaviour as “unjust and unethical”. “This support is meant for the consumers, and it is unjust and unethical for businesses to pocket these reductions and deprive our ordinary people of the muchneeded price relief. “We have seen this in the past, but this time it will not be tolerated.” The taskforce will be empowered to recommend immediate policy responses where necessary, including the imposition of price controls, reductions or removal of tariff protections for local producers engaged in unfair pricing, and even punitive measures such as fines. “This is a stern warning to all businesses that are thinking of pocketing these tax and duty reductions.” The taskforce comprises representatives from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), the Consumer Council of Fiji, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), and the Ministry of Finance.
Plans for $2b hospital with global support
DEPUTY Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad has announced what could be the most ambitious health infrastructure project – a $2billion new hospital. With financial support from the Australian Government, World Bank and Asian Development Bank, he told Parliament yesterday that this new hospital will serve the needs of Fiji, and the broader Pacific for decades to come. “The whole project will be costly and very expensive to the tune of almost $2b, but we are committed to getting this done with the support of our development partners and multilateral financiers like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank,” Mr Prasad said while highlighting that over $600 million has been set aside for the Health Ministry, a $60m increase from last year’s budget. “This plan is now complete, and we know that the new hospital will be larger and will have expanded health services.” He said that bed capacity will need to be increased from the current 453 beds at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital to 703 beds at the new hospital. Prof Prasad said the plan was to erect the new hospital out of the central business district and seven sites are currently under investigation, including Davuilevu, Tamavua, Raiwaqa, Samabula, Valelevu, Nabua and the existing CWMH site. “With the support of the Government of Australia and other development partners, we have taken considerable steps forward to deliver a roadmap for a new national hospital.” Prof Prasad said government has also been working together with financiers, led by World Bank, for a first phase financing package estimated at $500m. Formal announcements are expected to be made later this year. Meanwhile Prof Prasad said: • GOVERNMENT’S public private partnership, under the free medical scheme with over 64 general and dental practitioners and medical lab provider, will continue. • AN online logistics management system (MSupply) has been adopted to track medicine stock and manage orders across hospitals in Fiji. • LAND acquisition for the 100-bed Super Speciality Hospital to be constructed in Nasinu has been completed and an MOU will soon be signed for the construction, operation, and maintenance of the hospital. • FIRST phase of upgrades at the CWM Hospital is underway, including renovation to the acute patient ward, increased backup water storage, replacement to sewer lines and repairs to roofing. • GOVERNMENT can now buy medicines from India after the signing of an agreement with Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission. New tenders have also been awarded for supply of major drugs and medicines.
Scholarships reach new high
GOVERNMENT support for tertiary students have been ramped up with a record $153million scholarship allocation, higher living allowances, and special equity-based support for vulnerable youth, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced yesterday. Presenting the 2025–2026 National Budget, Prof Prasad said the scholarship funding would support 24,653 students, marking the highest number in Fiji’s history to study under fully-funded government scholarships. “Government is allocating $153million to fund tertiary studies for 24,653 students, which includes 11,593 continuing students and 13,060 new students,” Prof Prasad said. “This will be a historically high number of students under full scholarships.” He said Government had also reviewed the scholarship allowance for students as it had been unchanged since 2014. “For merit-based high achievers local scholarship, the scholarship allowance will be increased from $6800 per annum to $7600 per annum,” Prof Prasad said. “For other merit-based schemes where students are from outside the campus city, the allowance will be increased from $5000 per annum to $5600 per annum. “For other merit-based schemes where students have their home in the campus city, the allowance will be increased from $3000 per annum to $3200 per annum.” For students with special needs scheme, Prof Prasad announced an increase in allowance rate from $6800 per annum to $8600 per annum.
Social welfare gets raise
ALL social welfare recipients and government pensioners will receive a 5 per cent increase in their monthly allowances under the 2025–2026 National Budget. The announcement was made in Parliament by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, who said the adjustment brings the total funding for social protection to $220million, up by $10million from last year. “This is in addition to the across-the-board 15 per cent increase we had provided in the last budget,” Prof Prasad said. He also confirmed that Aftercare Fund members, which include former servicemen and women, will receive an additional $0.8million to support medical allowances. While the increase is being welcomed by those impacted, there are concerns about its sufficiency in light of the rising cost of living. Speaking to this newspaper, 70-year-old Reshma Wati, a social welfare recipient, said the support is appreciated but remains inadequate for many who rely entirely on the assistance. “It’s good but not enough for people dependent on this,” Ms Wati said. “Soon the prices of goods and services will increase … and then they (government) will blame the cost of imports or the war. “We’ll be back to square one.” Ms Wati added that while she was grateful for the Government’s efforts, more realistic support was needed.
Kidney dialysis support increases
GOVERNEMT has announced an increased subsidy of $4.7million to private healthcare providers to support kidney dialysis for patients. This announcement was made by deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad while delivering the 2025-2026 Budget in Parliament yesterday. “We are supporting kidney dialysis with an increased subsidy of $4.7m to cater for the increased demand at private service providers,” Mr Prasad said. “In the last two budgets we made accessibility more targeted to those earning less than $30,000 per year and further extended this to all social welfare pensioners and kidney dialysis patients.” He said that so far, Government has paid $26m but this will be further reviewed in the financial year to reduce abuse in the system.
Ministry gets $13.8m boost
THE Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways has received an increased budget of $115million over the $101.2m in the previous budget. While delivering the budgetary allocation, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad also paid tribute to the late agriculture minister Vatimi Rayalu for his excellent leadership in the past two and half years. “He will be sorely missed,” Prof Prasad. He said that in addition to policies to support land lease renewals and better returns to landowners, $3million is allocated for farm mechanisation and access to machinery. “A sum of around $39million is provided to support crop research and extension services to boost production of yaqona, dalo, rice, coconut, ginger and vegetables. “This includes $1million for fertiliser and weedicide subsidies that have been expanded for our dalo, ginger, cassava and vegetables farmers. “This was previously only available to sugar farmers prior to when we came into government. For crop research, a total funding of $12.6million is provided. “ Prof Prasad said a total budget of around $19m was provided for livestock research and extension services. “To support development of the beef, piggery, goat, and dairy industry. “The Agricultural Marketing Authority is provided a total budget of $2.5million to secure farm produce in areas where it is uneconomical for the middlemen and private sector to operate. “To support the Navuso Agriculture Technical Institute and Tutu Training Centre, a total budget of $4.5million is provided. “For the upgrade and enhancement of the agricultural quarters we are providing funding of $1.7million.”
$500k to fund study of road
GOVERNMENT has allocated $500,000 in the 2025–2026 National Budget to fund a feasibility study for a proposed flyover road linking Suva and Nausori. The project is part of the Government’s plans to ease traffic congestion in key centres such as Lami–Suva, Suva–Nausori, Nadi–Lautoka, and Labasa, where daily congestion has long impacted travel time, economic productivity, and public safety. While delivering the 2025- 2026 National Budget yesterday, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the Suva– Nausori flyover was intended to significantly reduce travel times, improve traffic flow, and enhance commuter safety, particularly during peak hours. “The project seeks to significantly reduce travel times, improve traffic flow, and enhance safety for commuters,” Mr Prasad said. “The initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports regional connectivity, economic growth, and improved quality of life for residents in both Suva and Nausori.” Mr Prasad said Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) was also exploring complementary urban upgrades to modernise traffic management. “FRA is working on options for road widening, provision of footpath and bicycle lanes, improved lighting and introducing smart traffic signal systems.” These initiatives come as part of a wider $800million allocation to the Ministry of Public Works in this year’s budget, the largest of any ministry. Government has announced the commencement of the Labasa Bypass Project which is expected to ease mobility in the Northern Division. Traffic will be diverted around the town, particularly during cane-crushing season. Government, with financial support from the Chinese Government, is investing in approximately 82 kilometres of upgraded rural roads, with a focus on strategic corridors such as the Nabouwalu, Wailevu West Coast, and Natewa West roads. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is working with the Government on a major investment to fix our rural road infrastructure. Diagnostics studies have been completed and project details will be announced later.
Public Works Ministry receives $83m increase
THE Ministry of Public Works has received the largest allocation in the 2025–2026 National Budget, with a total of $800million for major infrastructure development and public utility upgrades across the country. Announcing the allocation in Parliament yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said the increase — $83m more than last year’s budget — reflected the Government’s strong focus on improving roads, bridges, jetties, and rural connectivity. “We are ramping up our investment to upgrade and develop our key infrastructure and public assets and utilities,” Mr Prasad said. “A total budget of $800m is provided to the Ministry of Public Works, a significant increase of $83m from the last budget. He said that $388m from the allocation will go to Fiji Roads Authority (FRA), and of that, $120m will be for road maintenance, $74m for road renewals and resealing, $23m for footpaths and bus shelters, and $30m for new sealing and upgrades of community and rural roads, including $5m for road projects in Sigatoka and Nausori. Government has also allocated $16m for the maintenance of key jetties in Koro, Moala, Lomaloma, and other outer islands, while $51m has been set aside to begin work on four major bridge replacements in Lami, Sabeto, Medrausucu, and Viseisei bridges. Mr Prasad said the bridge replacement projects were estimated to cost $400m and will be co-financed through concessional loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank and World Bank.
Elections Office receives $20m
THE Fijian Elections Office has been allocated $20million for preparatory works in the lead-up to the 2026 General Elections. Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad confirmed this while announcing the 2025-2026 National Budget in Parliament yesterday. This allocation is a significant increase from the last national budgetary allocation of $7.4m. “The Fijian Elections Office is allocated $20m,” Prof Prasad said. “This provision allows for preparatory work for the next general elections, demonstrating our commitment to democratic processes and electoral readiness.”
Sweet deals in the works for farmers
AN attractive price is what government is aiming to pay sugarcane farmers for the 2024 crushing season. In his budget address, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad announced the Sugar Ministry would be given an allocation of $72million but did not disclose how much farmers should be expecting for last year’s harvest. “Government support for the sugar industry will continue given the direct and indirect dependence of almost 200,000 people for their income and livelihood,” said Prof Prasad. “When we came into Government, we delivered a $91.38 per tonne sugar price for the 2022 season. “For the 2023 season, Government paid the highest ever cane price of $105.08 per tonne, $20 dollars more than the $85 guaranteed price. “For the 2024 season, we are again determined to pay an attractive price.” He said this consistency with high sugar prices had generated interest in the sugar industry and they were expecting to see a sustained increase in sugarcane production. “A total funding of $72million is provided towards sugar to cater for fertilizer and weedicide subsidy, sugar price support, cartage subsidy, cane access roads and farm mechanisation.” Prof Prasad said every effort was being made to revive the industry which had taken a battering from natural disasters and political interference. In the last budget, the Ministry of Sugar was allocated $70.1m.
Low-income families to receive up to $30,000
FIRST homeowners earning less than $50,000 will have access to a government grant of $30,000 to construct their first home. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said this was part of the first home buyers grant which sought to support low- and middle-income families with home deposits. “For those earning below $50,000, a government grant of $30,000 is available for first home construction while $15,000 is provided for first home purchase,” said Prof Prasad. “For those earning above $50,000 but less than $100,000, a first home construction grant of $20,000 is available and a $5000 grant for first home purchase. “This will continue with a budget of $3.5million.” Prof Prasad also announced more informal settlements would be formalised over the next financial year. “Fiji faces major challenges with informal settlements. The rise in squatter settlements in Fiji is linked to our history. “But we remain committed to redeveloping and formalising our squatter settlements with the issuance of proper lease titles and appropriate facilities and services. “Around $15million is provided for the formalisation of six informal settlements in Tavela, Tore, Field 40, Valequyaya, Sakoca and Vunika. “We will also start four new areas including Lovu Seaside, Nabare, Delaisaweni and Caubati. “This will formalise around 1500 housing leases.” He said a VAT refund scheme for the construction of homes would also continue. “Under this scheme, any person constructing their first home is eligible to a refund of all VAT paid on construction material up to a value of $120,000. “We are also expanding this for the installation of solar power on residential homes and reconstruction of homes destroyed by termites for households with less than $50,000 income. “This will complement the termite construction subsidy of $5000 provided to families earning less than $30,000 and $2000 to those earning between $30,000 to $50,000. “The Government has allocated $2.9million towards this, on top of the $5million that has already been spent when the initiative was introduced.”
$49.5m allocation for judiciary
THE judiciary has been allocated $49.5million in the 2025-2026 National Budget, a decrease from $52.1m in last year’s budget. Finance Minister Biman Prasad also announced that Parliament has been allocated $17.3m and the office of the Auditor-General $7.5m, an increase from last year’s allocation of $6.9m. “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is allocated $8.9m while FI- CAC is provided $8.5m,” Mr Prasad said, adding that a job evaluation exercise for the Legal Aid Commission would be implemented this year. He said the Fiji Corrections Service was receiving $62.5m, also an increase from last year’s $12m allocation. “This includes around $1m to support the recruitment of 40 new positions under phase two of the Job Evaluation Exercise,” Prof Prasad said. “This initiative reflects our ongoing efforts to invest in the human resources needed to manage correctional facilities safely, fairly, and effectively.” Mr Prasad said the ministry had increased budgetary support for two essential operational needs, in addition to staffing. “Firstly, we have boosted the allocation for inmate food rations, ensuring that the basic welfare of inmates is upheld in accordance with international standards. Secondly, we have allocated funds for the procurement of clothing and uniforms for FCS personnel, recognising the vital role that discipline, morale, and visibility play in maintaining the integrity of the corrections system.” Mr Prasad said $2.3m was being allocated for the upgrade of public cemeteries nationwide. “The funding will support the improvement of cemetery standards, including better access, drainage, and layout, and will also allow for the engagement of consultants to undertake proper surveying and the design of civil works.”
$9.3m for Ministry of Justice
THE Ministry of Justice appears to have received the increased budget allocation it asked for.
A total of $9.3million for the 2025-2026 financial year has been set aside for the ministry. Aligning with priorities raised earlier by the Ministry of Justice, the allocation covers the digitisation of records across four registries, the Registrar of Titles, Registrar of Companies, Official Receivers Office and the Registrar General which are mandated by law to keep official records of all legal proceedings. This year’s budget is also aimed at strengthening access to legal services across the country, and the ministry’s expansion of training and deployment of Justice of the Peace (JPs) to rural, remote and maritime areas. Permanent secretary Selina Kuruleca had earlier said the ministry was ready to implement the first phase of the Registrar of Titles digitisation and upgrade the other registries and corporate services. She said the ministry was also working to ensure the increased allocations translated to improved service delivery for all Fijians. “We have just completed, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a human resources (HR) audit to ensure we match our people to the skills and competencies expected of their role. “Planning and monitoring with greater emphasis on reaching remote, rural and maritime areas, for instance, we have actively advised that people of stand ing in the community apply and be considered to be a Justice of Peace (JP).” While the services provided by JPs has traditionally been costfree, the 2025-2026 budget has an allocation of $1million that will cater for JP allowances and administration. Ms Kuruleca said the ministry would also work to strengthen the capacity of its 18 officers throughout Fiji to decentralise justice delivery in rural and maritime areas. “We will ensure that our HR is better skilled and trained to respond to the growing needs and concerns from the rural and maritime areas.” In line with the Fiji National Development Plan’s commitments, the ministry is supporting the establishment of the Parole Board. The board offers a structured mechanism for the supervised early release of eligible inmates and is aimed at reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration into society. “The last budget allocation for the Parole Board was in 2013. “We are confident that the Parole Board will assist with rehabilitation and reintegration services and will work closely with the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). “All due processes will be followed as laid out in the legislation for consideration for parole.” She said the ministry had since learned valuable lessons from the past two budget cycles that would inform better planning and spending efficiency in the upcoming 2025-2026 budget. “We need to ensure that services are available and farreaching to wherever our people are. Streamlined services, including improving our online portals.”
New model residential lots for sale
ABOUT 2900 residential lots and more than 1800 houses will be up for sale through the Housing Authority. Under the 2025-2026 National Budget, Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad said this was a new model offered by the Housing Authority to expand the supply of residential lots and housing units for low and middle-income earners. “Through this model, we are looking at delivering around 2900 residential lots and more than 1800 houses in Nepani, Wanibuku, Davuilevu, Tavakubu, Tavua, Wairabetia, Tacirua, Waqadra, Waila and Veikoba,” said Prof Prasad. “We are also working with the PRB to undertake more low-cost housing projects. “We will continue to provide rental subsidies at PRB flats to ensure that they remain affordable for low-income families.” He said apart from the Housing Authority and PRB, key partners such as Habitat for Humanity, HART, Koroipita and other private sector partners would also be supported with tax incentives. “A total of around $4million is provided for these partnerships. “The tax incentive available for development of subdivisions has been extended. This provides developer profit exemptions and customs duty concessions for land developers undertaking investment in residential subdivisions. “This has been quite effective in encouraging investors to add additional residential lots and increasing the overall stock of housing in Fiji. “The low-interest rate environment remains conducive for housing finance with home loans provided at just below nal 4 percent from the Wee commercial banks. “We will also allow FDB (Fiji Development Bank) to reintroduce housing Do loans on a small scale.”
Allocation to resolve passport shortage
THE Immigration Ministry’s budgetary allocation of $17.8million will respond to the issue of the shortage of passports, says Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. Prof Prasad told Parliament yesterday that $6m has been allocated to cater for the procurement of 200,000 passport books. “This volume is expected to fully meet both the backlog and forecasted demand over the coming months,” he said. “We anticipate that, with this intervention, the passport shortage will be normalised, and service delivery will be restored to expected standards.” Peacekeeping and foreign affairs He said Fiji would continue its peacekeeping operations around the world. “The RFMF is provided with a total budget of $168m, including $52m for overseas peacekeeping,” he said. “Given the challenging situation in the Middle East and other parts of the world, Fiji as a small nation is proud of its contribution to maintaining global peace.” He said a budgetary allocation of $51m had been provided to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, an increase of almost $7m from the 2024-2025 National Budget allocation ($43.8m) “We are providing an increased post allowance budget of $8.4m to cater for the increase in post allowance for 42 diplomats in our 13 foreign missions.” Mr Prasad said these allowances had not been reviewed since 2005. “We are also allocating $2.7m for the purchase of a new Fiji House in Wellington, New Zealand. The Cabinet has approved the sale of the current property and the purchase of a new property on Downing Street, Wellington.” Mr Prasad said this budget included Fiji’s contribution toward the construction of the new Pacific Community (SPC) Building in Suva. “A total of $1.9m has been allocated as part of a two-year commitment, following Cabinet’s endorsement of a $3.7m total contribution.”
Unit to bolster border protection
BORDER protection in Fiji is expected to be significantly strengthened with the establishment of a new Passenger Information and Intelligence Unit. Customers at the Fiji Immigration office in Suva. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad told Parliament yesterday that $6m has been allocated to cater for the procurement of 200,000 passport books. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad said the new initiative was part of a broader effort to protect the “sovereignty, economy, and the safety of the people.” Prof Prasad highlighted improvements to coastal enforcement capabilities through joint raids, vessel inspections, and the acquisition of new patrol boats under the Vuvale Partnership with Australia. “Our resolve is clear: we are investing in smart, coordinated border protection that delivers results.” The newly-established Passenger Information and Intelligence Unit is expected to boost the ability to identify and intercept high-risk passengers and vessels, enhancing national security and Customs enforcement. “Over the past year, the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and other key border agencies have made significant strides, driven by better intelligence, enhanced capabilities, and collaboration with international partners,” Prof Prasad said. “Our frontline officers are being equipped with new, state-ofthe-art tools to carry out their duties more effectively.” He noted also that construction is currently underway for a new Container Examination Facility, which will improve authorities’ capacity to detect concealed contraband. In addition, the country is expanding its K9 detection capabilities to Savusavu, under the Duavata Partnership with New Zealand.
$85m allocated to Trade Ministry for digital growth
THE Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications Ministry has been allocated $85million in the 2025-2026 National Budget. The ministry was previously allocated $106million in the 2024- 2025 National Budget. Finance Minister Prof Biman Prasad says investors and entrepreneurs can access ‘Starting a Business’ services through the businessNOWFiji initiative. Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad told Parliament the ministry has made investments in the digitalisation of government services through its initiative, businessNOWFiji. For the first time, investors and entrepreneurs can access “Starting a Business” services through a digitally integrated platform. “The next frontier is the digitisation of building permit applications – a complex and time-consuming area of service delivery,” Prof Prasad said. “By the end of this year, businessNOW Fiji will offer 25 eservices across 16 government agencies, streamlining interactions between government and the private sector.” Prof Prasad said the ministry has set an ambitious goal to bring 80 per cent of key government services online by 2030. “We are pleased to highlight that Fiji’s National Digital ID project is making steady progress under the stewardship of the National ID Steering Committee. “While the Reserve Bank of Fiji is the lead implementation agency, there is a robust governance structure providing strategic policy direction with Hon DPM Manoa Kamikamica as the co-chair.” Prof Prasad said the advancing of key components comprising legal and regulatory drafting, registration planning, technology design and use case development was being facilitated via technical support from the Asian Development Bank, and the engagement of over 40 inter-ministerial stakeholders.
