Fiji private sector calls for balanced budget supporting business and citizens

Fiji's private sector is pressing the government for a balanced national budget that simultaneously supports businesses and alleviates the increasing cost of living for citizens. The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) warns that the current high cost of doing business is stifling economic growth and job creation.

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I think one key message is to make sure that we balance the budget from the economic and the social side. As I said, we are cautious of the fact that it’s an election year, and the budget may be skewed towards the social side and providing more incentives to the communities and the people.

Edward Bernard, FCEF Chief Executive, stated that businesses hope the upcoming budget will foster both economic recovery and address social needs without disproportionately favoring one over the other. He highlighted the rising cost of doing business, driven by elevated fuel, freight, and food prices, as the primary concern. This trend, Bernard cautioned, negatively impacts local companies, employment, and income generation.

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He warned that this is affecting local companies, jobs and income generation.

Bernard outlined five critical priorities submitted by the private sector. These include enhanced protection for local industries, manufacturers, and producers to reduce import dependency. Additionally, businesses require recovery support, with incentives to cover losses and rebuild operations following recent economic shocks. Investment in skills and education is another major focus, addressing labor market shortages and the need for more work-ready graduates. The FCEF also called for increased investment in health and infrastructure, noting that deficiencies in these areas influence migration and reduce workforce productivity.

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Bernard also called for stronger investment in health and infrastructure, saying gaps in these areas are influencing migration decisions and affecting workforce productivity.

The federation stressed the need for improved coordination among government ministries, backed by dedicated funding for innovation and better policy alignment. Bernard emphasized that the budget must maintain fiscal discipline to instill confidence in the private sector for investment and expansion. He concluded that without business growth, job creation and income growth will remain constrained, reiterating the private sector's core message: the budget must remain balanced, supporting both people and the economy while safeguarding local industries.

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Bernard said the Budget must maintain fiscal discipline while still giving the private sector enough confidence to invest and expand.