Fiji cannot move forward without addressing the development aspirations of the iTaukei community.
And iTaukei land will be leveraged as an asset for investment in partnership with other communities, as well as foreign investors to create a multitude of opportunities.
These strategies are included in the National Development Plan 20205-2029 and Vision 2050 that was launched at the Grand Pacific Hotel this week.
The plan also states that the rights of marginalised communities will be protected by providing security to land tenancy to create confidence and communal economic empowerment.
The document highlights that the debate on the role of Government has been long outstanding and sits at the heart of Fiji’s endeavour to secure economic resilience.
“There is a consensus that the government has taken an interventionist and overly regulatory approach to development. This strategy has constrained and crowded out private sector investment and has been a drag on economic growth,” the plan states
“Recalibrating and resetting Fiji’s development pathway to secure more vibrant and sustainable economic growth, and prosperity for the people, will require a shift in the development approach to one that is facilitative and supportive of the private sector.
“The Government will gradually rationalise its role in economic activities and not compete directly with the private sector.”
The document states Government will also create a conducive environment for the private sector to flourish, including by ensuring policy consistency and building investor confidence.
According to the plan, Government’s role will be confined to four key areas:
n reducing the size and role of Government in the economy to avoid stifling private sector expansion;
n efficient public service facilitation of private sector activities and investment through the removal of regulatory barriers;
n provision of quality public goods to the people based on well-planned and targeted public sector spending; and
n establishment of public and private partnerships where feasible to support growth. People and Community Empowerment People and community empowerment forms the foundation of a democratic society where people and members of the community can participate actively in decision-making, shaping their future and to take advantage of development opportunities.
