Charan Jeath Singh, prominent Labasa businessman and Fiji’s Minister for Sugar, revealed that the government could not fulfill all requests in the 2024-2025 National Budget. Many had hoped for a decrease in the Value Added Tax, however, this was not approved.
During a newspaper interview, Singh commented that some individuals may have anticipated different outcomes from the budget. Despite this, he characterized the budget as promising. Despite not all expectations being met, Singh highlighted the increase in pay for civil servants and ordinary citizens.
The minister affirmed that no controversial or secretive elements were present in the budget. He acknowledged the longstanding public demand for a rise in minimum wages, saying, “We heard you.”
Furthermore, the Ministry of Sugar received the full amount they requested. The allocated funds will support farm development to boost cane production. Other areas of expenditure include subsidies for fertilizer and weedicides, improved cane access roads, lease premium assistance, and investments in drainage and farm mechanization.
Provisions have also been made in the budget for the Sugarcane Growers Council to run its elections and maintain its operations. This budget has been described as ‘promising’ in the context of Fiji’s economic outlook.