PRIME Minister Voreqe Bainimarama informed heads of missions to take advantage of the current economic situation.

He said since Fiji’s economy has had “unprecedented growth rates and very positive forecasts” business could not carry on as usual.

“We cannot continue to be satisfied with mediocrity and the old ways of doing things,” he said.

“We must act fast. We must act with aptitude. Otherwise, we may not be able to fully realise the potential from this trajectory,” Mr Bainimarama said.

“As you are aware, with the civil service reform that will be expedited next year and following the announcement of the appointment of the new permanent secretaries by the Public Service Commission, the governmental systems and processes will be further modernised, streamlined and made efficient.

“We have enormous expectations that all ministries including the heads of missions, lift up their game and synchronise and synergise their day-to-day operations to meet Government’s overall objectives.”

Mr Bainimarama said there were a number of important documents that guided overall national objectives.

“We firstly have the green growth policy framework which intertwines with the national trade policy framework.

“You will see a number of key initiatives in the New Year that will be rolled out by the Department of National Planning and Ministry of Industry and Trade in regards to these documents respectively.

“The five and 20-year national development plans will also be rolled out by April of next year.

“It will be critically important for all of you to understand, comprehend and know these documents because there will be many issues from these documents that will require your expertise as diplomats to advance.”

Mr Bainimarama added that while Fiji had a policy of being “friends to all”, heads of missions must always ensure that Fiji maintained its dignity and its sovereignty as an independent nation.