Budget Lays Foundation for a More Resilient Fiji

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Hon. Filimoni Vosarogo has defended the 2026–2027 National Budget, describing it as a realistic response to global economic uncertainty while outlining a vision for a more diversified, resilient and investment-ready Fiji.

Speaking during the Budget debate in Parliament, Hon. Vosarogo said the Government had chosen responsible fiscal management over "wishful thinking", arguing that the Budget was designed to confront rising global pressures rather than ignore them.

He said Fiji continued to face significant external challenges, including volatile fuel prices, geopolitical instability and climate-related risks, making disciplined financial management essential.

"The Budget is not a comfort blanket. It is a call to arms. It is an honest declaration of our vulnerabilities," he said.

The Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources has been allocated $37.1 million for the 2026–2027 financial year, around 10 per cent lower than the previous allocation. However, Hon. Vosarogo said the reduction would drive greater efficiency and innovation within the Ministry.

Rather than viewing the smaller budget as a setback, he said it presented an opportunity to deliver better outcomes through more strategic use of resources.

A key focus of his address was Fiji's need to diversify its economy beyond traditional industries, particularly sugar, by supporting high-value agricultural exports.

He pointed to growing opportunities in coffee, cocoa, pineapple and vanilla production, highlighting recent export successes and the role of private sector investment in creating new industries and employment opportunities.

Hon. Vosarogo also outlined progress on long-awaited legislative reforms, with reviews of the State Lands Act, Land Use Act, Mining Act and Quarries Act nearing completion. He said the reforms would strengthen transparency, improve land administration and better align resource management with modern environmental and climate priorities.

The Minister said Government had also returned more than 18,000 acres of land to their rightful landowning units where the original public purpose had ceased, describing the move as fulfilling longstanding commitments to landowners.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the Ministry through digitisation, with historical land records, geological information and survey data being converted into digital databases to improve efficiency and public access to information.

On community development, Hon. Vosarogo said Government would continue investing in groundwater projects, geological hazard monitoring and disaster preparedness, noting that access to safe drinking water and protecting vulnerable communities remained national priorities.

The Minister also announced that 88 project-funded positions had been converted into permanent established roles within the Ministry, recognising the contribution of officers working across surveying, groundwater, engineering, scientific and technical services.

While acknowledging the dedication of public servants, Hon. Vosarogo challenged Fijians to strengthen workplace productivity, arguing that improving work ethic was critical to reducing reliance on foreign labour and supporting long-term economic growth.

He concluded by encouraging greater private sector investment, telling both local and overseas investors that Fiji offered a stable environment, a clear policy direction and significant opportunities for sustainable development.

Hon. Vosarogo reaffirmed his full support for the 2026–2027 National Budget, saying it provided the framework needed to strengthen Fiji's economy while ensuring the sustainable management of the country's land and mineral resources.

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