Therefore, we have to do everything in our power to increase export earnings and reduce imports. Tourism has picked up well following the global downturn. In my view, under the current circumstances, tourism holds the greatest potential to lift Fiji’s growth rate. The Tourism Development Plan has set a target of 1 million visitors by 2016.
Since its inception in 1950, MAP has promoted management excellence for nation-building, and I laud MAP for delivering on this critical mission during this difficult time and supporting efforts toward economic recovery and sustainability. Let me begin with the economic outlook. Amid the health crisis, we have begun to see the dawn of recovery. Bright spots have emerged.