DEPUTY Prime Minister Biman Prasad says the Government is looking at improving service delivery better in the 2025-2026 National Budget.
He told those present at a budget public consultation in Nadi on Tuesday they were considering changes to reduce the burden on people.
“We are going to maintain some of the benefits we have provided to people, and we are also focusing on investment,” Mr Prasad said, adding investor confidence in the economy was high.
“I know there are a lot of investors and investments that are in the pipeline, and the groundwork is about to begin.
“So, this is the positive news in the economy, job growth, services and wages in the private sector have increased as well.
“Our target in the last budget to increase the income of our people definitely worked. We can see what’s happening in the area of consumption and our own revenue.
“We want to build further confidence in our people, in our investors and in our economy generally.”
Mr Prasad said people now have the freedom to criticise and talk about government policies.
“There is a lot more noise out there and it shows that we have now a real democracy.
“We are moving towards a real democracy and that is why we are very happy and understand where our people are.
“The media is free and people are free, and we value people’s contribution. So, also in the last two years through the appointment of the fiscal review committee, we set up a committee task force which includes private sector people, business people and representatives of tourism.
“Some of the boards we have appointed, we have tried to bring people from the private sector.
“And I personally believe that there is so much knowledge and wisdom that is outside of the Government.
“And it is our responsibility as government, for me as the Minister of Finance, to make sure our people are involved in the consultation and the formulation of policies
“So, I’m very happy that we’ve done this in the last two years.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad addresses the public during the 2025-2026 National Budget Public Consultation at Korovuto College Hall in Nadi. Picture: REINAL CHAND
