Fiji has lost 10pc of formal workforce, says Gounder, State to work with USP

Fiji has lost almost 10 per cent of its formal workforce and in a bid to address this,  the Finance, Strategic Planning and National Development Ministry, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of the South Pacific last week for capacity building.
In a press statement, USP said the MoU was focused on developing capacity for staff with targeted specialist training and the introduction of student attachment at the ministry.
Finance Ministry permanent secretary Shiri Gounder said the lure of better opportunities abroad meant workers were opting to travel, leaving gaps in Fiji. “Overseas skill migration has posed a major challenge for Fiji, including the Ministry of Finance, as Fiji has lost almost 10 percent of its formal workforce in
the last 18 months,” he said.
Mr Gounder said the ministry’s partnership with USP was designed to enhance a sustainable future for the people of Fiji and the Pacific.
“The ministry intends to benefit from USP’s world-class researchers and its regionally relevant
research outputs toward supporting joint policy research at sectoral and national levels in Fiji.” USP’s Acting Head of the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics (SAFE), Dr Rup Singh said the MoU marked the beginning of a collaborative relationship to help build capacity within the ministry and address the issue of labour migration.
“This is a timely partnership and a great opportunity for us to cooperate more positively and
work collaboratively to develop sound policy based on research,” he said. “The MoU also provides a pathway for USP students to get professional experience through attachment opportunities and ensure their smooth transition and integration into the workforce once they graduate.”
As part of the MoU, at least five third-year Economics or related field students (per year) will get
the opportunity for an internship at the Ministry’s Strategic Planning Office starting this year.