Nine weeks of budget consultations with submissions from civil society groups, non-governmental organizations, Fijians living with disabilities and representatives from the private sector and views of common Fijians are expected to greatly influence today’s national budget announcement.
With only hours to go before the announcement of the 2017-2018 financial year budget, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says his ministry is focused on ensuring the growth of the Fijian economy.
“As you know it’s not prudent to comment on what’s going to be on the budget but we off course will ensure that the budget is focused on economic developments and economic empowerment as we have seen and it’s also focused on liberalizing the economy.”
The latest edition of the national budget is expected to build upon the progress our economy has achieved despite the massive setback caused by Cyclone Winston.
Written submissions were also sent to the ministry with expectations high for the budget to not only create and sustain employment opportunities but to also create ways on how global hikes in food costs could be eased for all Fijians.
“Off course at the end of the day to empower ordinary Fijian men and women to be able to participate equally in the economic space and the market space and to be able to be sure to look after those people who are on margins of society and bring them to the center.”
FBC News understands there will be major announcements regarding the civil service, TELS, social welfare, health and infrastructure and the tax regime amongst other things.
