The Reserve Bank of Fiji recorded an annual increase of 18.7 per cent in the number of vacant positions.

This has been revealed in the Central Bank’s January Economic Review released recently.

RBF said in line with the robust economic performance in 2015, labour market conditions were favourable.

Agriculture, forestry & fishing, finance, insurance, real estate & business services, mining & quarrying along with construction were some areas higher vacancies were noted.

These, along with a number of other sectors, more-than-offset the declines in the manufacturing and the community & social personal services sectors.

The RBF said looking ahead, employment prospects are largely positive in line with the economy’s expected growth path.

Financial position

Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank noted that liquidity in the banking system fell by 10.9 per cent to $488.4 million in December 2015.

This was attributed largely to the increase in currency in circulation ($36.6 million). As at January 28, liquidity was around $562.2 million.

Foreign reserves (RBF holdings) were $1,944.3 million in December, sufficient to cover 5.9 months of retained imports of goods and nonfactor services.

As at February 1, foreign reserves were around $2,029.8 million, sufficient to cover 5.7 months of retained imports of goods and non-factor services.

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