Consultations with Government Ministries, Departments and Entities begun over the weekend as the Ministry of Economy initiates preparations for the 2018-2019 National Budget.

The Budget is set for announcement later this month on the 22nd of June.

Minister for Economy and Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says as the Fijian economy heads for its ninth straight year of economic growth, this year’s budget is set to be the widest reaching and most inclusive national budget in Fijian history.

He adds that many of the landmark programmes and allocations announced last year in the 2017-2018 Budget will be expanded, alongside a slate of new programmes and funding priorities that will have a direct and powerful impact on the lives of every Fijian.

This budget he says will be totally focussed on the prudent management and growth of the Fijian economy, it will also be people focussed, as all of the budgets before have been, especially assisting the vulnerable members of our society.

The Economy minister highlights that the hallmark of the FijiFirst Government has always been the consistent and sound management of the nation’s finances, and that has set Fiji up to achieve the longest running period of economic expansion in history.

Sayed-Khaiyum says translated this means we have more resources at our disposal than ever before, and that is going to lead to some very exciting new policies and allocations in the upcoming budget.

He adds, they’ve also taken on invaluable feedback from Fijians who made submissions to the Ministry of Economy which is going to shape what is most certainly going to be a national budget by and for every Fijian.