Fiji has introduced its National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025-2029, alongside Vision 2050, which Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, asserts is “not a pipe dream.” He emphasizes that this 217-page blueprint is grounded in the strengths and potential of Fijians to push boundaries and explore new avenues for growth.
In his statement regarding the NDP, Prof Prasad highlighted the Coalition Government’s specific achievement targets for the next three to five years, along with a vision for 25 years into the future. He conveyed that the Vision aims to outline the path forward and initiate efforts to transform Fiji into a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable nation.
To realize this vision, he stressed the importance of committing to governance and institutional reforms and maintaining zero tolerance for corruption. Furthermore, he indicated the necessity of ensuring peace, security, and stability in the nation.
The NDP, structured in 11 chapters, specifies the achievement targets of the Coalition Government within Fiji’s socio-economic framework, centered around three critical pillars: economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance.
A key aspect of the economic strategy is to enhance private sector involvement across all sectors, aiming to position it as the main engine for economic growth. The government plans to simplify policies and regulations that hinder private sector investment, foster a conducive environment for investment, eliminate bureaucratic delays, address workforce and skills shortages, and improve land access.
Special attention will be given to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging their growth and contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through improved access to finance, skill development, and transitioning more businesses into the formal economy.
In his introduction to the plan, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka urged Fijians to seize this opportunity to create a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable future. He referred to the National Development Plan as the “people’s plan,” which outlines key strategic priorities grouped under the three pillars of economic resilience, people empowerment, and good governance.
Over the next three years, Rabuka committed to delivering practical solutions to these priorities, which include ensuring access to clean drinking water for all citizens, enhancing infrastructure in both rural and urban areas, upgrading healthcare facilities and services, strengthening institutions to maintain law and order, and providing quality education and training for the populace.