Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced a significant restructuring of government ministries, confirming the appointment of Esrom Immanuel as the new Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development.
In a statement issued today, Mr. Rabuka said Mr. Immanuel formally assumed his role on November 3, taking on responsibilities previously divided between the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics, and the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications.
Under the new structure, the Ministry of Finance will operate as a standalone portfolio, while Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics will remain under the Prime Minister’s Office.
External trade functions are being transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while cooperatives, investment, MSMEs, national trade measurement and standards, and business development will be housed under the newly established Ministry of Commerce and Business Development.
Mr. Rabuka also confirmed that Communications will now fall under the Ministry of Policing, headed by Ioane Naivalurua, who becomes Minister for Policing and Communications.
The Prime Minister said the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister will coordinate with the Permanent Secretaries for Finance, Trade, Policing, and Foreign Affairs, as well as the Public Service Commission, to ensure a smooth transition of staffing and budgetary responsibilities.
Mr. Rabuka said the realignment is aimed at streamlining government operations and improving efficiency in economic management and service delivery.
