(o) PM Seeks Ideas on Budgets for Next Five Years

In a request that doesn't seem like the normal approach of a supposed dictator, PM Bainimarama has asked members of the private and public sectors to help Government formulate Fiji’s budgets for the next five years.

“I want consistencies in policies and long term goals to provide investor confidence to help you and me plan our government, our businesses, our lives, and our country,” he said while opening a one-day Public and Private Consultative Forum on the 2010 Budget this morning. Those attending included representatives from the private sector, civil society, trade unions, professional organizations, members of the financial services sector, and Government. The Forum theme was “Growing the Economy and Reducing Poverty through Public and Private Sector Partnership."

“I know there has been some disgruntlement over certain policies over the past couple of years. But we are not here to look into the past. We are here to look at our future,” he said. Fiji’s economic growth must be based on a sustainable foundation. “We must not repeat the mistakes of the past when unsustainable fiscal and monetary policies were put in place,” he said. He reiterated that consultations on a new Constitution for Fiji will begin in September 2012 with the view to have one in place by September 2013.“Elections are to be held a year after that,” he added. -- Based on Fijilive report.

The PM said the Forum is in line with Government’s ongoing commitment to genuine dialogue with all stakeholders, both domestically and our development partners in building a Better Fiji for All.