The Minister for i-Taukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, emphasized the importance of economic empowerment for indigenous people during a Parliament session yesterday. He highlighted the Great Council of Chiefs’ recent meeting, which focused on addressing the pressing economic challenges faced by rural communities.
Mr. Vasu pointed out that the stark poverty statistics in villages serve as a reminder of the obstacles to overcome but also of the opportunities that arise from them. He mentioned that while the country possesses rich resources, there is a significant need for effective strategies to transform these into financial assets. The establishment of provincial economic units was identified as a key initiative for promoting economic growth through better resource management.
The chiefs supported a feasibility study for these economic units, underlining that economic empowerment should be a top priority. Mr. Vasu stressed the necessity of removing barriers to growth in order to foster more business opportunities. One focus area he mentioned was the revitalization of industries such as cocoa, which previously thrived in the 1980s.
The meeting also underscored the importance of evidence-based policymaking, informed by a village profiling survey that provided insights into socio-economic conditions across the provinces. Additionally, the council reviewed recommendations from the i-Taukei Lands and Fisheries Commission aimed at enhancing governance and operations within these sectors.
Furthermore, the chiefs addressed the critical issue of violence against women and children, expressing a collective commitment to tackle this urgent problem.
Overall, this initiative not only targets economic growth through empowerment but also emphasizes social responsibility, indicating a multifaceted approach to improving the lives of indigenous communities. This focus on revitalizing traditional industries and addressing societal issues reflects a hopeful and proactive strategy for sustainable development in the region.
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