Shania Shayal Prasad 
Australia has committed additional $72 million in budget support to Fiji, further strengthening the two countries’ enduring partnership.
The agreement was signed today by Deputy Prime Minister Professor Biman Prasad and Outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, Ewen McDonald.
Professor Prasad states that this support will focus on key development areas including health and education.
He adds it will also contribute to critical reforms in fiscal management, private sector development, gender equality initiatives, and climate resilience.
“Budget support policy-based operations has become a key modality for accessing grant funding support from development partners and concessional loan funding from multilateral institutions.”
Outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Fiji Ewen McDonald says independent evaluations has confirmed that this partnership is highly effective.
“The evaluation found that Australia’s budget support has promoted key reforms to strengthen the government budgeting and public financial management in Fiji, as well as supporting long-term economic growth through reforms to the business environment and the financial sector.”
This additional funding follows Australia’s ongoing commitment to Fiji’s development, including more than $580 million in aid over the past five years.
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