The Ministry of Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistics has been allocated $90.8 million in the 2025-2026 national budget, which includes $54 million earmarked for the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS). Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad noted the budget allocation is part of a comprehensive response to public financial management reform.
A milestone within this budget is a $4 million allocation related to the new Financial Management Information System (FMIS), launched on August 1 of the previous year. Additionally, $1.8 million is designated for a new budget system to automate budget processes, aimed at completion within the next 12 months. This automation ties into the larger fiscal reform agenda guided by best practices and recommendations from the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessments.
Mr. Prasad highlighted a significant operational change: the removal of all ‘R’ (requisition) items that previously required ministerial or permanent secretary approval for expenditures. This adjustment aims to increase operational flexibility within ministries and departments, enhance efficiency, and reduce bureaucratic delays, ultimately fostering greater accountability in budget execution.
Further financial allocations include $4.12 million for the second phase of the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES), which will yield vital data about income levels, expenditure patterns, and updated poverty estimates to inform public policy and interventions. An additional $740,000 has been set aside for preparatory work for the 2027 population census, a critical operation that will capture significant demographic, economic, and social trends influencing national planning over the next decade.
This approach resonates with previous budget themes focusing on creating an economically stable and sustainable Fiji. Continuous emphasis on public engagement as seen in past budget discussions reflects a commitment to making informed decisions that support the diverse needs of the population.
Through effective implementation of this budget, the government aims to cultivate an environment that enhances public service and community welfare, leading Fiji toward a path of growth and development despite global economic uncertainties. With careful planning and execution, this budget represents a hopeful opportunity for positive change impacting the lives of all Fijians.
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