Paulo Ralulu, managing director of Pacific Operations, expressed his support for the National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025–2029, highlighting its potential to create a favorable environment for the growth of Fiji’s private sector. During a panel discussion at the University of the South Pacific’s Laucala Campus on Tuesday, he described the NDP as “a huge improvement” and emphasized that successful implementation will depend largely on the associated costs.
Mr. Ralulu raised an important question regarding the financial requirements of the plan, noting that while there is sufficient expertise available to execute it, understanding the cost is crucial. He acknowledged that the NDP has been comprehensively researched, suggesting that many of its components are well-grounded in data.
However, he also pointed out a significant challenge: the emigration of individuals from Fiji for various reasons, which creates a gap that needs to be addressed. Despite this concern, Mr. Ralulu reiterated that the NDP represents a substantial advancement, with cost management being the key determinant of its successful implementation.