Government is trying to ensure the cost of living does not escalate through various means.
While speaking at the ‘Speaker’s Debate’ last night in Suva, the Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum highlighted the various assistance and incentives implemented by Government.
The ‘Speaker’s Debate’ focused on economic development and poverty alleviation with the theme ‘Is Fiji’s economic growth benefiting all Fijians?’
Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed – Khaiyum reiterated the socio – economic rights are enshrined in the 2013 Constitution
” These rights are all enforceable rights so essentially, if a citizen of a country believes that those rights of theirs which are enshrined in the constitution is being breached then they have the ability to enforce those rights. Now these rights are of course are progressively realized” said Sayed – Khaiyum
Government is trying to ensure the cost of living does not escalate through various means.
This includes the reduction in VAT, price controlled items , free education, healthcare and social welfare assistance.
Meanwhile, Tourism continues to contribute largely to the economy, making up 37 percent of GDP.
“It has the great potential of any sector to increase employment, economic development and investment especially foreign investment. In fact tourism is the best vehicle to spread the benefits of economic development all over Fiji. In our industry , the premier resorts and hotels are not in the main cities, they’re in the remote areas” said Dixon Seeto – President of Fiji Hotel Tourism Association
A number of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals are linked to economic development and poverty alleviation
Panelists included representatives from Government , Opposition, Consumer Council, Fiji Council of Social Services and the Fiji Islands Hotel and Tourism Association.
The next Speaker’s Debate which is to encourage discussions on key issues in Fiji is also expected to be held in the western division.