MY focus will be on stabilising Fiji’s finances and boosting business growth across the country, says newly appointed Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel.
Mr Immanuel, who officially took up his expanded portfolio yesterday, said the changes signalled continuity in government policy rather than a major shift.
“I’d like to thank the Prime Minister for appointing me and for the confidence he has placed in me,” he said in an interview with the media outside parliament.
“I also wish to acknowledge and thank the former Deputy Prime Ministers for their hard work.
“This is really about continuity; we’ll build on the strategies already in place.”
Mr Immanuel said it was still early days, but the work ahead was clear.
“As I mentioned, probably nothing new at this stage. It’s only been a day since the announcement, and I was overseas when it was made.
“But we’ll continue from where things are for the Ministry of Finance, strengthening our financial position and improving financial management.
“Now that I’ll also be taking on Commerce and Business Development, which are closely related, the focus will be on finding ways to grow the economy further.”
He said he had spoken with the former Finance Minister, Professor Biman Prasad, by phone following the announcement and had since been briefed by senior staff.
“I expect to be more fully updated in the coming days.”
On the structural realignment, Mr Immanuel said he had yet to receive formal confirmation.
“It’s really just a matter of aligning positions and staff — business will continue as usual.”
