The New Zealand Government has provided a further package of support to the Government of Fiji to help respond to the immediate socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
A further grant contribution of FJ$58m [NZ$40m] in budget support to Fiji was earlier announced by the New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs Hon. Nanaia Mahuta as part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s wider COVID-19 economic assistance to the Pacific.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Charlotte Darlow said the budget support will focus on social protection.
“This budget support package demonstrates Aotearoa New Zealand’s commitment to support Fiji to respond to the immediate economic impacts of COVID-19 and support a sustainable long term recovery,” said High Commissioner Darlow.
“The impact of the pandemic has been felt widely across Fiji’s society and economy.”
“This fiscal support will enable the Fijian Government to continue to support the needs of vulnerable households and sustain livelihoods,” High Commissioner Darlow said.
"We appreciate another vote of confidence in our financial management through New Zealand's direct budgetary support to help kick start our ongoing recovery. For that recovery to be meaningful and sustained over the long-term, we must work towards a normalisation of trade and travel within our region. “As the region's hub, Fiji is prepared to help lead the Pacific into the new post-pandemic normal and, as nations with world-leading rates of vaccination, we look forward to re-uniting Fijians and Kiwis under both countries’ reopening plans as soon and safely as possible," Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said.