Now that 14 key resolutions were reached at the conclusion of the two-day National Economic Summit in Suva yesterday, we look forward to the next step forward.
Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad acknowledged those who participated in the event and emphasised the need for solutions to assist the Government move the country forward.
The resolutions were reached after deliberations carried out through five plenary sessions and 12 thematic working groups.
Prof Prasad spoke about what the Fiscal Review Committee chair had highlighted as the “triple threat” facing the Fiji economy, which were: excessively high Government debt, delayed investment in critical infrastructure and the impact of unforeseen shocks from climate change and other global and local risks.
He was happy to see the level of engagement and what he termed “the willingness of our participants to consider the pressing issues facing our economy”.
Economic growth, he said, was the key – and that the summit was the first step in a united, people-driven approach to achieving a better economic future for all.It was encouraging to see different opinions, and that too from experts.
Former governor of the Reserve Bank Savenaca Narube was a powerful contributor over the two days, coming up with suggestions and advice we hope the Government will consider.
Now that the summit is over, the average man and woman would be watching on with keen interest at the next steps to be taken. Well, we’d think that would be the way people would respond.
Because what matters is what they will gain out of this summit. We’ve had some of the country’s top minds, and we hope critical thinkers, discuss important issues that are important for our economy.
They have had the opportunity and the platform to talk about what matters, and what will drive our economy, and boost confidence.
This was a forum that was designed to facilitate dialogue, and deliberations focused on addressing our shortcomings, and paving the way forward for us as a nation.
This is where discussions should have taken place, to answer questions vital for the survival of our nation.
So in essence, we will look up to the powers that be to consider the resolutions, and consider the needs of our nation.
The people matter. They should matter. In the greater scheme of things, they will be hoping for positive things to come their way. It’s just the way things are.
We are humans. People want to live a life that is removed from the troubles of their past. They want to feel and see hope on the horizon.
That will mean being able to put food on their table daily. It will mean being able to put a roof over their heads, and being able to afford some of the luxurious of life if they can in their lifetime!
They will yearn for a better tomorrow! We know we are between a rock and hard place, for want of a better word.
We have a debt program we must service, major challenges our people face daily from water woes, rising cost of living, a health system that isn’t in its best shape yet, power cuts, unemployment, and in there sits the need for people to be empowered and given an opportunity to live a good life.
There will be bold decisions made. So we look up to the powers that be with hope!
