The National Development Plan (NDP) for 2025-2029 aims to restore the nation’s prosperity, reduce poverty, and enhance the economic and social welfare of citizens. This objective was emphasized by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad during a panel discussion hosted by Dialogue Fiji at the University of the South Pacific on Tuesday.
Professor Prasad stated, “Our people would be at the center of development, and the NDP is designed as a plan for the people.” The NDP will implement a series of policies and strategies across three main pillars: economic resilience, empowerment of individuals, and good governance.
He noted that the NDP emerged from extensive engagement and consultations aimed at understanding the concerns and challenges faced by the population. Over the next three years, the government intends to focus on “getting the basics right,” which includes improving access to clean drinking water for households, enhancing rural road infrastructure, addressing drainage issues, formalizing and upgrading informal settlements, increasing healthcare access, and investing in social infrastructure and protection.
Additionally, the NDP will explore reforms within the police force to effectively combat crime, and it will prioritize quality education and skills training. Professor Prasad explained, “The NDP will outline our goals for the next three to five years and, more importantly, detail how we plan to achieve them.”
He added that the policies and strategies included in the NDP are vital for attracting investment and boosting productivity in key growth sectors to maintain higher economic growth rates.