PM Rabuka sets 2050 target for middle-income in Fiji
He says Government, citizens and development partners must work together
Saturday 08 August 2026 | 05:30
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka (left) is welcomed by villagers of Lomanikoro in Bua Province during the opening of the village's suspension bridge on August 7, 2026.
Photo: Sampras Anand
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says Fiji must raise the income-earning capacity of ordinary Fijians if the country is to achieve middle-income nation status by 2050.
Mr Rabuka made the remarks during the commissioning of a suspension bridge at Bua Lomanikoro in Vanua Levu yesterday.
He said the goal was based on recommendations from the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Fiji's economic future.
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Mr Rabuka said Fiji was currently at 2.5 per cent against the six per cent target needed to make the goal a reality.
"We are at 2.5 per cent and we still have a long way to go to reach six per cent," he said.
He said improving the livelihoods of Fijians required a focus on raising incomes and enhancing people's standard of living.
Mr Rabuka said the Coalition Government's infrastructure projects, including roadworks, bridge construction and upgrades, were part of efforts to improve market access for rural communities and create opportunities for them to grow financially.
He said with support from bilateral partners and international organisations such as the World Bank, the Government would continue working towards the country's development goals.
“There will be assistance from our bilateral countries and international organisations such as the World Bank to ensure that we achieve our goals,” he said.
Mr Rabuka said the United Nations had established global development goals, with governments working towards achieving them.
"Fiji’s development cannot depend solely on Government and international assistance."
Every citizen must contribute
Mr Rabuka said every citizen had to contribute by improving their employment opportunities and increasing their earning capacity.
He said achieving middle-income nation status would increase consumers' spending power and help boost tax collections.
"Taxpayers contribute to Government revenue through taxes paid on income and business activities," Mr Rabuka said.
He said collective efforts from Government, communities, taxpayers and development partners would be needed for Fiji to achieve middle-income status by 2050.
