Government is focused on consolidating its fiscal position, while taking steps not to disrupt the economic recovery.
This was highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad during an interview ahead of last week’s National Economic Summit.
He said while Fiji was in a difficult situation, there was no cause for alarm.
“Since this Government has come in, there is a sense of renewed confidence because we are looking at renewed interest from investors,” he said.
“Of course, there are international headwinds. If the economies of Australia and New Zealand don’t do well, through transmission mechanism either through remittances or tourist numbers, we could be affected.
“Right now, we are on a good economic trajectory of recovery. So going forward, what we want to do is to make sure that while we consolidate our fiscal position, we actually don’t disrupt the recovery as well.
“So we have to tread carefully and create the delicate balance. And I intend to do that from the next budget and in the following two or three budgets that I will be delivering.”
Prof Prasad said his role was to ensure Fiji had a sustainable fiscal consolidation strategy, which would provide a good trajectory of economic growth.
This would ensure agencies to collect good revenue and use that to improve the quality of lives of all people.
“So let me assure the people, don’t be alarmed. Don’t be carried away by mischief makers.
“Those who did it before the election and some of them are doing it after the election.
“The Government is firmly focused on looking after all our people.”
