World Bank Commends Fiji's National Budget
“It is a very impressive effort to consolidate this recovery to all sectors of the economy,” said the bank’s East Asia Pacific region vice- president, Manuela Ferro.
Thursday 20 July 2023 | 15:51
From left: Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, World Bank East Asia Pacific regional vice-president, Manuela Ferro and Minister for Finance, Biman Prasad at Ro Lalabalavu House on July 19, 2023. Photo: Fiji Government.
The banking institution that recommended heavy and harsh measures for Fiji’s economic growth, has commended the new budget.
The World Bank is confident that every dollar Fiji spends yields great benefits, especially recovery efforts from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is a very impressive effort to consolidate this recovery to all sectors of the economy,” said the bank’s East Asia Pacific region vice- president, Manuela Ferro.
Related stories
She said the 2023-2024 National Budget had important measures Fiji needed, especially in the tourism sector.
Government allocated $30 million towards to tourism development in this financial year. The World Bank is Fiji’s second largest money lender.
Ms Ferro made the comment after signing an agreement for the bank to develop Vanua Levu as a tourism destination.
She said the programme was an important element in Fiji as it brought together several aspects of development such as growth and job creation.
“It is innovative,” she said.
“Part of the discussions was for Fiji to get the most of the Fijian dollar to benefit most Fijians.”
Feedback: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj
