ASST. MINISTER HON. ESROM IMMANUEL'S PARLIAMENTARY RESPONSE TO THE PRESIDENT’S OPENING ADDRESS

Honourable Speaker of Parliament.
Honourable Members of Parliament.
Distinguished Dignitaries.
 
A very good morning to you all. I rise today with humility and gratitude to offer a response and deliver my right of reply in this August House to the esteemed address delivered by His Excellency the President in my capacity as the Assistant Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.
 
Firstly, I extend my sincere appreciation to the President for his insightful remarks and unwavering commitment to the prosperity and well-being of our beloved nation.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, I echo the sentiments expressed regarding the importance of inclusive governance and the need to listen to the voices of all our citizens.
 
Indeed, it is our solemn duty as elected representatives to uphold the principles of democracy and humanity enshrined in our Constitution, and to work tirelessly to ensure the integrity and dignity of our Parliament.
 
His Excellency’s emphasis on promoting harmony and embracing diversity resonates deeply with me, Mr. Speaker Sir. It is incumbent upon us as leaders to foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding, transcending our differences for the collective good of our people.
 
I wholeheartedly pledge to continue advocating for unity and inclusivity in all facets of our governance and I will refrain from being adversarial.
 
Moreover, I commend the Government’s progressive agenda outlined by His Excellency, particularly the ongoing formulation of the new National Development Plan (NDP). The NDP serves as a blueprint or a roadmap for our nation’s growth and development, guiding our collective efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It is imperative, Mr. Speaker Sir, that we prioritize inclusive and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind as we strive towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.
 
As we embark on the task of formulating a new 3-year, 5-year and 20-year National Development Plan, I am reminded of the critical importance of this endeavour in shaping the future trajectory of our country.
 
The Government is fully committed to ensuring the successful completion and implementation of the new NDP, recognizing it as a cornerstone of our strategic vision for the future.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of past policies and initiatives, engaged in extensive consultations with stakeholders and segments of the society across all sectors, and aim to incorporate valuable feedback from our citizens through nationwide public consultations. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made in the formulation of the new NDP.
 
At the onset of the formulation of the NDP, a total of 275 consultation has been planned by the Ministry, Mr. Speaker Sir. Starting from 14 February till 21 March 2024, teams from the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics is travelling around the country – across the 4 Divisions of Central, Western, Northern and Eastern, to gather views and feedback on the development priorities, policies and strategies for the new NDP.
 
As of Thursday, 7 March 2024, Mr. Speaker Sir, the teams have completed a total of 250 consultation meetings. We have consulted a total of more than 11,150 people during this period, of which, around 39.1 percent (4,356) are women and 32.5 percent (3,621) are youths.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, you can see the lengths the Ministry of Finance has gone to consult as many people as possible and receive valuable inputs for the formulation of a robust NDP.
 
The people, that our teams consulted, were very grateful for the Government to hear their pleas, and this people, Mr. Speaker Sir, have gambled their hopes to have their needs addressed. I was fortunate to attend a few of the meetings and found it fruitful and sometimes emotional listening to views, comments, and requests from all members of the communities, all races, all ages, all spheres of life (workers, pensioners, old, young, women, men, children, youths and handicap)
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the new NDP will be a dynamic and forward-looking document, tailored to address the evolving challenges and opportunities facing our nation, a plan that is People’s Plan.
 
It will set out a clear vision and strategic objectives for the next three, five, and twenty years, with a focus on promoting sustainable development, enhancing social inclusion, and advancing economic prosperity for all Fijians.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, based on the consultations we have had so far, key priorities identified through our consultations include the need to modernize our legislative framework, strengthen public sector service delivery, and address critical issues such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, police, water and drainage, roads, and social and climate resilience.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, it has been identified that in the next 3 years, we, the Government need to get our basics right which will greatly resolve many of the issues that our Fiji citizens are currently facing. Basics, Mr. Speaker Sir, such as fixing the drainage issues, ensuring consistent supply of clean water, providing good healthcare facilities, improving law enforcement through resourcing Police and enhancing access to education.
 
Additionally, Mr. Speaker Sir, there is a strong emphasis on promoting private sector-led growth, enhancing skills development, and fostering youth empowerment to drive economic diversification and innovation.
 
We have also taken proactive measures, Mr. Speaker Sir, to ensure gender mainstreaming and inclusivity in our policy formulation process, recognizing the importance of empowering women and marginalized groups in our society.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the new NDP is envisioned to be completed by June this year.
 
Sustainable Development Goals
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, at the heart of the new NDP lies its alignment with Fiji’s international commitments, notably the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By seamlessly integrating the SDGs into our national development agenda, we reaffirm our unwavering resolve to address global imperatives such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability, while championing sustainable development and inclusive growth.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, while the new NDP will align with the SDGs, Fiji is intricately linked to the international commitments, necessitating the need to achieving our SDG targets. The 2nd Report of the 2023 Voluntary National Review (VNR), Mr. Speaker Sir, openly presents Fiji’s progress and need to address data gaps in achieving the SDGs.
 
Fiji views the 2030 Agenda, Mr. Speaker Sir, not merely as a global commitment, but as intrinsic to our own development goals. The SDGs have become the cornerstone of our national development planning, guiding our efforts to build a resilient and sustainable future for all. Fiji’s significant strides towards achieving the SDGs is commendable, however, more needs to be done, Mr. Speaker Sir. 128 indicators have sufficient data, however Fiji risks missing 75 percent of the 97 targets that we could measure. Urgent action is required to accelerate progress, Mr. Speaker Sir. Strengthened global partnerships are essential to secure greater financial assistance, capacity building, technology transfer, and system enhancement across all 17 SDGs.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, even with the most disciplined and ambitious of fiscal policies, it was challenging for us as a developing country to meet all the SDG targets, in particular the data and definitional gaps. I am happy to announce that the assistance of multilaterals in this regard especially UN-ESCAP is valuable, and they are happy to continue to assist us about DATA and the GAPS.
 
This is by no means a criticism of the SDGs themselves; in reflecting holistically with the benefit of 20/20 vision, we can now embrace the new lens and ambition that we have evolved to adopt, when realizing that a more prosperous and sustainably developed Large Ocean State like ours, is within reach.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, we are always grateful for the support and partnerships provided by Fiji’s development partners, as well as multilateral and regional agencies, and civil society in our efforts.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, as a responsible Government, we are fully cognizant that our forward-moving progress in the SDGs is pivotal for building resilience, when considering our vulnerability to natural disasters, climate change, and recent global challenges such as the pandemic, and not to mention, geopolitical tensions.
 
Fiji’s Economy and Debt Situation
Mr. Speaker Sir, let us acknowledge the resilience of the Fijian economy amidst unprecedented global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing geopolitical tensions, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Despite these adversities, Fiji has shown remarkable resilience and determination to emerge stronger. Our economy is poised for a broad-based growth of 3.8 percent and 3.0 percent for 2024 and 2025, respectively.
 
It is crucial to acknowledge that we are not immune to the economic headwinds facing the global economy. Our economy, Mr. Speaker Sir, like many others, has felt the impact of the pandemic, disrupting trade, tourism and investment flows. Additionally, as a climate-vulnerable nation, Fiji faces heightened risks from extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and environmental degradation, further complication our economic outlook.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, one of the central pillars of our economic strategy is fiscal sustainability. We recognize the importance of maintaining sound fiscal discipline to ensure the long-term stability and prosperity of our nation. Prudent fiscal management is essential to instil confidence among investors, maintain macroeconomic stability, and safeguard the well-being of our citizens. However, achieving fiscal sustainability requires a delicate balancing act.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, on one hand, we must address the urgent needs of our people, invest in critical infrastructure, and provide essential services. On the other hand, we must exercise restraint and discipline to prevent excessive borrowing and accumulation of debt that could jeopardize our fiscal stability in the long run.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that debt levels remain sustainable and manageable. We have implemented measures to improve debt management practices, enhance transparency, and strengthen oversight mechanisms to prevent debt distress. Additionally, we are actively exploring opportunities for debt restructuring and other innovative financing mechanisms to ease the burden on our economy, Mr. Speaker Sir.
 
While fiscal sustainability remains paramount, we must also prioritize economic growth and climate resilience. These objectives are not mutually exclusive but rather complementary. Sustainable economic growth is essential to create jobs, reduce poverty, and improve the standard of living for all Fijians. At the same time, we must integrate climate resilience into our development agenda to protect our people, infrastructure, and natural resources from the escalating impacts of climate change.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the path ahead of us is fraught with challenges, but it is also brimming with opportunities. As Assistant Minister for Finance, I am confident that together we will overcome these challenges and build a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, early this year, the Cabinet had approved the Growth Re-set Initiative package which is a new phase of economic reforms to be undertaken by the Government. The Growth Re-set Initiative builds on the work that has already begun through national consultations through the National Economic Summit, the Fiscal Review Committee (FRC) and Budget development processes. It is focused on a first phase of economic and regulatory reforms which are relatively easy to achieve by combining knowledgeable public and private sector skills and experience.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Government must be seen to be taking decisive steps to encourage new economic growth measures and should take advantage of being “new” and “changed”. Also, modernising our law and policy on essential topics including foreign property ownership, investment restrictions, short-term and long-term immigration, energy generation, environment, and planning laws is very essential to increase private sector participation in our economy.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Growth Re-set Initiative is jointly managed and implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics and the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, SMEs and Communications and I update this August House that progress has been good so far in achieving the objectives under the initiative.
 
Let this stage, I would like to thank the three (3) sub-committees for meeting regularly and trying to look at ways to improve the current processes and areas for efficiency:
 
(I) Sub-Committee on Immigration and Investment Law and Processes Reform.
(b) Sub-Committee to Review Electricity Sector; and
(a) Sub-Committee on Lands, Environmental and Planning Law and Process Reform.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, as you are aware that the Coalition Government has re-established the Strategic Planning Office which is ensuring better coordination and formulation of a strategic and our robust development agenda. The Office will be further resourced in the next financial year to deliver its core outputs especially strengthen the monitoring and evaluation of capital projects and key Government initiatives and ensuring value for money.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Cabinet has endorsed the use of the Guidelines and User Manual for the Preparation, Appraisal and Approval of Projects under the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). This will assist in assist in future decision making on projects to be done taking into consideration Value for Money and better returns.
 
To date, series of comprehensive implementation workshops have been undertaken with representatives from pilot Ministries/Agencies and key regulatory agencies on the need to ensure that necessary criterions and requirements including the preparation of Screening Notes, as outlined within the Guidelines are adequately met. The eleven (11) pilot Ministries/Agencies include the following:
 
Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics.
Fiji Roads Authority.
Water Authority of Fiji.
Ministry of Housing.
Ministry of Local Government.
Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services.
Ministry of Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management.
Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry; and
Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, a major change from the current practice of appraising new projects, which the Guidelines introduce, is a two-stage process. Early-stage preparation (Stage 1) involves initial identification, research and discussion for the preparation by budget entities of a relatively simple Screening Note to be evaluated by the Ministry to determine if a detailed appraisal study (Stage 2) is warranted.
 
Mr. Speaker Sir, I reiterate the Coalition Government’s steadfast commitment to crafting a comprehensive and inclusive National Development Plan that engenders enduring national unity, fosters a shared vision, and propels socio-economic advancement across our beloved Fiji. Through the NDP, the Government will aim to address multiple facets of our citizens plea. Together, let us redouble our efforts in building a more prosperous, resilient, and sustainable future for all.
 
Vinaka vakalevu, Mr. Speaker Sir. Thank you.