Growing the economy and measures to alleviating poverty through public and private sector partnerships was the talk of the day at the consultative forum on the Budget 2010.
The forum was poised to assist Government to formulate not just the 2010 Budget but also the budgets that are to ensue for the next 5 years.
Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama set the tone for interactions that people needed to think outside the box and make the paradigm shift in order to building the economy.
“However, until then the focus of Government shall be on the economy,” he said.
“The focus will mean politics, political parties and politicians shall not be part of the agenda. The agenda will mean bringing the much-needed dynamism to the economy and the commercial sector. It will mean thinking outside the box, making a paradigm shift.
Commodore Bainimarama made the remarks following his reassurance that consultations on a new Constitution will begin in September 2012 with the view to have one in place by September 2013 and elections, a year after that.
“My Government is a government of change. I want to modernize – modernize to improve Government services, run government like a business, and modernize our way of thinking to ensure that we set the foundations of a sound and robust economy - an economy that will reap benefit for all, not just a select few,” he said/
“It must not favor a select group of businesses, it must not marginalize our workers and it must not be prone to high risk.
Commodore Bainimarama said accordingly, businesses, financial institutions, employers and employees must engage not just with Government but also with each other.
“If you are serious and committed to a Fiji which is to realize her true potential then you will take a holistic approach to the economy,” he said.
“You will situate your sector, your business and your employee claims within the context of the greater Fijian economy and the well being of her people. We no longer can afford to be parochial and selfish.