Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Prof. Biman Prasad met with the Fijian community in Melbourne, thanking them for their unwavering support and urging greater investment in Fiji’s growth story.
The event, hosted by the Fiji Senior Citizens Organisation, saw Prof. Prasad highlight the Coalition Government’s progress two and a half years into office, noting reforms that have strengthened democracy, removed restrictive laws, and restored freedom of speech.
“People are now free to speak and criticise the government without fear. We have delivered three national budgets with necessary reforms in tax policy, social welfare, and scholarships, while rebuilding economic confidence.”
Prof. Prasad outlined major initiatives, including new hospitals, upgraded medical facilities, and infrastructure projects such as the Vanua Levu terminal.
He pointed to Fiji’s strong economic recovery, with 4% growth in 2024, $5.8 billion in investments, and rising investor confidence.
Prof. Prasad also encouraged the diaspora to take advantage of reformed citizenship laws, making it easier for descendants of Fijians to live and work in the country.
Paying tribute to overseas Fijians, he acknowledged remittances nearing $1.4 billion annually as a vital pillar of the economy.
“Our economy continues to move because of your contributions. The government is deeply grateful to each and every one of you,” he said.
Looking ahead, Prasad shared Fiji’s new National Development Plan, which charts a path to becoming a high-income nation within the next two to five decades.
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