However, despite the great efforts made to date to contain the spread and effects of COVID-19 locally, global travel restrictions have compelled us to host this meeting virtually. I am pleased to highlight that there are no active COVID cases in Fiji and furthermore, no cases of local transmission in over 180 days.
The rewards for macroeconomic discipline, however, build up over time and it is important to recognise where we are now beginning to see the real benefits come through. On the fiscal side, the National Treasury’s commitment to maintaining budgetary control and strengthening the public finances is now providing the base for significantly increased expenditure on key public services without in anyway jeopardising fiscal discipline.