Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, recently addressed members of the Fiji Institute of Chartered Accountants at the FICA Congress 2025 in Nadi, assuring them that there would be no new taxes in the upcoming 2025/2026 National Budget. Instead, his focus will be on closing compliance gaps and enhancing operational spending in critical sectors such as social welfare, agriculture support, and infrastructure to prepare for potential global economic slowdowns.
Prasad expressed gratitude to development partners for their sustained support and emphasized FICA’s crucial role in guiding Fiji’s economic trajectory. He reiterated Fiji’s commitment to regional integration and strengthening global partnerships, aligning with the nation’s vision articulated in the National Development Plan 2025–2029, which aims to ensure that the Pacific remains an “ocean of peace” and promotes prosperity through trade.
In light of previous discussions regarding the budget, Professor Prasad highlighted a proactive and inclusive approach that aims to not only tackle rising living costs but also engage citizens in the decision-making processes. This mirrors the sentiments shared in earlier conversations, where he noted the importance of collaboration between the government and the private sector to shape sound economic policies.
The government’s strategy reflects a hopeful outlook, focusing on building resilience amidst external pressures while promising to enhance transparency and public service delivery. By engaging citizens and aligning programs with national priorities, there is optimism that Fiji can navigate current economic challenges effectively, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for all Fijians.
Overall, these commitments not only foster trust but also indicate a constructive shift toward inclusive governance, ensuring no Fijian is left behind as the nation moves forward.
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