DPM Professor Biman Prasad Meets Australian Treasurer, Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Hon. Professor Biman Prasad, held a constructive meeting with the Australian Treasurer, Hon. Dr Jim Chalmers in Canberra.

DPM Prasad expressed Fiji’s appreciation for Australia’s budget support in recent years, noting that this assistance has been well utilised to advance major economic reforms, promote fiscal stability, and strengthen Fiji’s economic performance. He also outlined the Coalition Government’s priorities under the National Development Plan, including significant investments in water, sewerage, health, and other critical infrastructure over the next three to five years, and emphasised the importance of partnerships with development partners such as Australia and the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the pacific (AIFFP) to deliver these initiatives.

The DPM further acknowledged the Australian Treasury’s support in addressing correspondent banking challenges, which remain a pressing security and economic issue for the Pacific.

On climate action, DPM Prasad reaffirmed Fiji’s strong support for Australia’s bid to host COP31 in 2026, noting that a Pacific COP would be critical in driving ambitious climate action and securing outcomes for vulnerable small island developing states.

Treasurer Chalmers reiterated Australia’s commitment to supporting Fiji, with ongoing cooperation expected in areas such as strengthening Fiji’s public asset register, building capacity, and supporting the implementation of infrastructure projects.