Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka emphasized the Coalition Government’s commitment to investing in the future of Vanua Levu, supported by the World Bank’s financial backing. He made these remarks during the launch of the “Na Vualiku Program” at Wasawasa Lodge in Savusavu last night.
The event was also attended by World Bank Fiji Country Manager Stephano Mocci, along with several Cabinet Ministers, including Viliame Gavoka, the Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sakiasi Ditoka, the Minister for Rural and Maritime Development, Maciu Katamotu, the Minister for Local Government, Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment Productivity and Industrial Relations, and Ifereimi Vasu, the Minister for iTaukei Affairs.
Rabuka noted the significant role of the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation in driving this impactful initiative forward. He reported that, in the past 18 to 20 months, over 10 companies have made investments in various projects across Vanua Levu, as highlighted by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the World Bank will be investing $400 million over the next ten years to foster economic growth in the Northern Division. He stressed the importance of the government’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly climate by developing transparent and collaborative policies, alongside infrastructure improvements and other supportive measures to invigorate the Vanua Levu economy.
He reiterated the government’s focus on a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the economy, empowering the population, and securing a better future. Rabuka noted that statistics indicate half of Fiji’s population lives in urban areas, a trend of rural-urban migration that is a common global issue.
He stated that the solution lies in what the government can achieve for its people in partnership with development allies. With a predominantly young population, where more than half of citizens are under 30, and 63% of the Northern Division’s population falling within the productive age group of 15 to 64, there exists a significant opportunity to leverage the region’s natural resources and human capital for sustainable growth and development.