Before Government can use taxpayers’ money to improve key sectors of the economy, it must first address governance issues, including corruption.
Suva lawyer Barbara Malimali made the point while speaking during yesterday’s panel discussion on the “State of the Fijian Economy Dialogue”.
Ms Malimali indicated that discussions on national finance and economic improvement would be weakened if the institutions responsible for managing public resources were compromised.
“I think one thing for any economy and any economist is you need stability. Which means governance is an issue.”
She said governance and stability were important factors in building investor confidence.
“If we address some of these governance issues, we have stability. If we have investors going, is this a place we can invest in? Will they keep the stability?”
She said governance should be considered before broader discussions on the economy, human rights and other national issues.
Ms Malimali also questioned the strength and stability of key institutions, including security and police forces.
She said corruption remained a major issue that had to be addressed as part of efforts to strengthen national stability.
Member of the MSME Council Noleen Billings agreed with Ms Malimali, saying investment also depended on protection and safety.
“I think with all investments, the protection and the safety of it,” Ms Billings said.
“In the agriculture sector, you plant 3000 yaqona, you’ll get 3000 stolen when it’s only four months old in the north.”
