#FBCNews #FijiNews #Fiji #FJBudget Posted by FBC News on Friday, 17 July 2020 Keep Connected With The Latest News, Weather, And Sports on Fiji's Best Radio stations. #FBCNews #FijiNews #Fiji #FJBudget Posted by FBC News on Friday, 17 July 2020 Keep Connected With The Latest News, Weather, And Sports on Fiji's Best Radio stations. Plans in place to pay all workers electronically, not in cash. Announcement Of 2020-21 Budget Set For July 17 With the tourism sector feeling the full brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting the country’s major revenue and employment source, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said there was a need for assistance to help sustain those affected. Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association President, Dixon Seeto says they are glad that tax on ECAL has broadened and also paid by other industries. Sayed-Khaiyum says the message to the bus industry is to get the older and dirtier buses off the roads after duty reductions. Another initiative is the restructure of the First Home Purchase programme which has already assisted more then 300 Fijians to purchase or construct their homes. Fiji Chamber of Commerce President Doctor Nur Bano Ali says that this budget will ease processes for businesses through digitization and enhanced services. He also says that the Bainimarama government inherited a debt level of 53 percent of GDP in 2006. An allocation of $12.7million is dedicated to the major health infrastructure projects in the 2019-2020 National Budget. This saw revenue estimated at just over $2.5b, while expenses was estimated at over $3.5b. Day Care Centres will be established in major hubs of the country. Source: Supplement to the 2020-2021 Budget Address Government debt Government debt as at July 2020 is forecast to reach $6.7 billion or 65.6 percent of GDP (from 49.3% in 2018-2019 fiscal year) due to an increased borrowing in the 2019-2020 COVID-19 Response Budget to accommodate the higher deficit of … She is happy with the initiatives announced. The Young Entrepreneurship Program or the YES Program will continue. The National ID Card system will be implemented by December 2021. The Minister for Economy has also confirmed that no new vehicles will be allowed in Fiji if they are not Euro 4 compliant. Styrofoam containers will also be phased out by 1st January, 2021. For business registrations, streamlining processes will be undertaken. Over 800 million dollars allocated to the Education Sector. Naboro will be made a tax free zone for the set up of waste management companies. Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says he does not like the 2019/2020 National Budget because the government is not reducing taxes. The Fijian Government | 2019 - 2020 Budget Highlights Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation As Fiji continues to progress on a development trajectory in line with its 5-Year and 20-Year National Development Plan, the adverse impacts of climate change continue to present the single greatest threat to our development aspirations. Budget 2020-21 Major tax deductions announced in new budget. GOVERNMENT must ensure that teachers are remunerated accordingly and this must be set out in the 2019/2020 National Budget which will be announced tomorrow night. The Minister for Economy says they will now restrict travel to subsidised students under the free bus fare scheme. He says money at the time was borrowed by previous governments to fund operating expenditure not to focus on capital expenditure. FNU allows cross transfers so TELS will continue to fund students going for that. These include assisting informal settlements by drafting proper tenancy agreement and improving basic infrastructure through formalizing and regularisation of informal settlements. He also says that a strong economy keeps the lights on and keeps the water running. 2019-2020 NATIONAL BUDGET ADDRESS Hon. The Government will announce a mini budget on March 26, says Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. $200,000 has been allocated to have National Youth Awards. Over $62 million has been paid out with Government topping accounts with $12m. He also says that global growth is softening according to the World Bank however the Fijian economy can outperform our trading partners in the new financial year. A 200 percent tax deduction has been offered for film production companies to set up in Fiji. First Home Buyers Assistance will continue. Digital Fiji App will create a people hub. © 2018-20 Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited. While Fiji has so far remained coronavirus-free, we’re not immune from this pandemic’s economic ramifications. $180,000 allocated to fund Fiji's 50th Independence Day celebrations next year. National Federation Party Leader Biman Prasad says it is obvious that expenditure has been reduced. This follows reports of students playing with boxes of milk and stomping on them. The National Budget announcement for the 2019/2020 financial year will be delivered on June 7th. E‑Passports will be coming in for a more secure Fiji. The 10 percent ECAL will also be levied on the import of smart phones, air conditioners, freezers/refrigerators, television, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, electric stoves, microwaves and electric lawn mowers. THE Fijian Government has shut down two of its foreign missions in Brazil and Ethiopia. While delivering the 2019/2020 National Budget, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed that the plastic bags that are normally used at supermarkets will be banned from January 1st, 2020. He says the economy has been stable in an economic boom decade which people are calling the Bainimarama boom. Prior to this, the Ministry of Economy has announced that they will be hosting budget consultations as follows; 2 March 2019: In-Person Consultation Labasa from 10.00am -1.00pm at … The customs and import duties will be effective from midnight tonight. Health Minister Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete says upgrade works for the Emergency Department will be undertaken in the new financial year while upgrade works on the Colonial War Memorial Hospital maternity ward continues. The projected expenditure is expected at 3.84 billion dollars. The good news is that the $30,000 income tax threshold remains, and VAT and corporate taxes will not go up. The Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, last night announced a $3.67 billion national budget for the financial year 2020-2021, aimed at the recovery of the Fijian economy after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Police Force is allocated $800,000 to combat drug trafficking, with dedicated staff tasked with finding and rooting out networks of hard and synthetic drug dealers and suppliers. A new program of cadetship for incoming civil servants will also be implemented. 120 million dollars has been collected through ECAL so far this year. The Economy Minister says this is the reason Government needs to look at measures to help and ensure that we start a recovery process now and this includes we need visitors back through our tourism industry. $29.8 million was allocated to Tourism Fiji to continue global branding initiative in target markets to ensure that Fiji remains a top holiday destination and maintains its growth in the tourism sector. The Social Housing Assistance continues with an allocation of $1 million. Stay with us for coverage on how the budget announcement will affect you. This will provide a $130 million relief to employers for the next 9 months. Sayed-Khaiyum adds this is one way they can get funds that can  help in projects such as moving villages to higher ground. The debt to GDP ratio will be down by 6 percent compared to the last budget. Article continues after advertisement Government spending will stand at around $3.67b, while revenue is projected at around $1.6b. This includes an ongoing major extension to the Colonial War Memorial Hospital Maternity Unit and the completion of the new sub-divisional regional hospital in Navosa. Sayed-Khaiyum says worldwide there has been a five percent contraction in the economy, which has been the worst in 100 years. Government Budget in Fiji averaged -2.50 percent of GDP from 1992 until 2018, reaching an all time high of 5 percent of GDP in 1998 and a record low of -6.50 percent of GDP in 2001. FCCC has also reviewed mobile termination rates. This is … The Minister going on to say that over 300 million jobs have been lost world wide and a further 1.25billion jobs at serious risks. Plastic levy will be increased from 20 cents to 50 cents on low density plastic bags. A major initiative in the tourism sector that was announced in the 2019/2020 budget is the Tourism Fiji Marketing Grant. The Ministry of Housing and Community Development have been allocated $17.2 million. Students from foundation level will longer qualify for the  National Toppers Scholarships. The Minister for Economy says the Bainimarama Boom is a boom for everyone. Seeto says there should have been a larger allocation for Tourism Fiji. The Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also says that the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank are stepping in to assist by refinancing Fiji’s loan obligations with policy based loan support that is contingent on the progress for the reforms. Laws will also come in to have collection centres around the country for PET bottles and people will be compensated for bringing in the PET bottles. Transport Minister Jone Usamate says it is good that people will now use e-transport cards for mini buses from next year. $650,000 will go to our 15s side to fund preparations for the Rugby World Cup year. He says the Fijian economy might not fully recover for years to come but also quality of employment for the future generations has been affected by the impact of COVID-19. Welcome to this National Budget Announcement. A major initiative in the tourism sector that was announced in the 2019/2020 budget is the Tourism Fiji Marketing Grant. He also mentioned that for 2 and half hours Minister for Economy has been talking about the good things they have been doing in the past and at the same time trying to also admit the failures in the implementation of the policies and how people might have misused those policies. The government and Opposition unanimously agreed to amend the April-November sittings. $7.95 million has been allocated for this. $4.5 million allocated for National Agriculture Census. Sayed-Khaiyum says this will be a temporary increase in headline debt in this financial year but that will go down at the moment to redeem global bond in the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Electronic payment option will be introduced for government services under the Digital Fiji App. Plans are underway for a National ID Card. The Ministry of Education, Heritage and Arts is allocated a total of $467.7 million in the 2019-2020 National Budget. This seawall is stronger than the … Toddler packed into suitcase at the height of TC Yasa, NZ aid aims to assist 700 affected households, Australia to provide $4.5m humanitarian relief, Women’s safety in evacuation centre prioritized, Gavoka pleased with the spirits of Northern people, Ministry purchases crops from affected farms, NFP calls on EFL to help clear road networks, Navakasali villagers grateful for timely assistance, Malawai Residents rebuilding following TC Yasa, Shipping service providers under the spotlight, New Zealand announces another $2m in assistance, Agriculture Ministry sends assistance to affected communities, PM surprises Nadogo students, wishes them well, EU pledges around $2m to support TC Yasa victims, Initial assessment: More than 300 homes damaged, https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/18.07.20LR-Stimulus-8am.mp3. Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says redundancies and waste are being rooted out in the civil service. $6.9 million has been allocated to move technical colleges to the Fiji National University. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said this was in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. There were over 50,000 engagements on facebook as part of the budget consultations. From 10th of July, a new Biz Fiji Portal will be launched on the requirements to start a new business. In delivering the historic Budget last night, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum also announced a $US930 million stimulus package to fund the country's recovery from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Judiciary will develop an e‑filing system. 01/12/2020 This new seawall we have built harnesses the great power of nature to build a buffer between your homes and the encroaching tides. $4 million has been allocated for sporting tours. ... And for all those who are following along and commenting on social media, please use our hashtag “Fiji Budget” to share in this nationwide conversation. Fiji's government has projected a $US1.7 billion National Budget for the 2020-2021 financial year. It was also confirmed that students under the Tertiary Education Loan Scheme TELS should be going to universities offering their chosen courses near their homes rather than moving to the city to do the same program. $29.8 million was allocated to Tourism Fiji to continue global branding initiative in target markets to ensure that Fiji remains a top holiday destination and maintains its growth in the tourism sector. “The idea is to provide, firstly the stimulus to the economy and normally the stimulus, of course, is provided to the businesses creating a new environment, giving confidence to the ordinary Fijians that they will be looked after and on the other hand, of course, we are able to provide various targeted assistance.”. He says Rabuka has not taken any lessons through his disastrous economic blunders. Government spending will stand at around $3.67b, while revenue is projected at around $1.6b. $2.1 million will go towards our men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens teams for the Olympics. Nasinu Court will have 4 new court rooms. 100 percent of employer contribution to FNPF will now be tax deducted. ... Children of Fiji [VIDEO] Salaries stood at 620 million dollars in 2013 while the salaries stood at 1 billion dollars last year. Sayed-Khaiyum says this is based on increase in civil service salaries over the past years. The 2019/2020 National Budget has been announced with many initiatives focusing on protecting our environment, expansion of ECAL or the Environmental and Climate Adaptation Levy on goods including vehicles, increased duty on new and used hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles, targeted assistance for people, reduced government expenditure and a target of economic growth for straight 11 years. Rates will reduce from 8 cents a minute to 5 cents a minute. He says through the Fiji National Provident Fund assistance, 86,000 affected Fijians were assisted in phase one, while another 26,000 were helped in phase two. They can only travel from home to school and back and cards can only be used upto 4.30pm. Honourable Speaker, Honourable Prime Minister, Honourable Leader of the Opposition, it is my privilege to present to Parliament and to all Fijians, across our country and overseas, the National Budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. PO Box 334, Suva, Fiji. To curb the issues of traffic congestion, 10 percent ECAL will be imposed on all new and used hybrid vehicles and all new and used non hybrid vehicles. ANNOUNCEMENT OF COVID-19 RESPONSE BUDGET 12/03/2020 With over 110,000 confirmed cases in 113 countries and territories, the rapid spread of COVID-19 has today been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organisation. Digital Fiji App will have faster birth registration. In the 2020-2021 National Budget, we’re announcing a $2 billion direct government stimulus package to fund our comeback from COVID-19’s economic impact. There will be no increase in the prices of cigarettes and alcohol as there is no duty or tax increases. Tudravu says the 995 constables that are being regularised is part of the second phase of their 5 year restructure. This is to encourage the consumption of local chickens. The Import Duty on new non-hybrid vehicles that are less than 1000cc will increase from 5 percent to 15 percent. National budgets by FijiFirst and before that the Bainimarama administration has seen some out of the box policies implemented in the country. The Minister for Economy says Fiji aims to recover it’s oceans and will issue Blue Bonds and build a Blue Fiji. Floodlights to be installed at Churchill Park. The former prime minister claimed a "fair share" of the stimulus package was being used for purposes other than addressing the threat of the coronavirus. The deficit will stand at 20.2 percent debt and this pushes the debt to GDP ratio to 83.4 percent. Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum will deliver the 2020/2021 National Budget address at 7.30 tonight. Some initiatives in the housing sector that have been announced in the 2019-2020 budget. He says it is really important to find out how much is circulating in the mini bus industry. The upgrade and extension of Rotuma Hospital is also part of this funding in addition to the specialized Tamavua Subdivisional Hospital. Members of parliament are seen heading into parliament for the 2020-2021 Fijian National Budget announcement. He says the reductions have happened as some of the re-build programs have been completed. The program will be monitored in the rural and maritime areas. ADVERTISEMENT The Nadi River Flood Alleviation Project will start next year. 2019-2020 NATIONAL BUDGET ADDRESS INTRODUCTION 1. $400,000 allocated to construct public restrooms along highways. Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says just because the budget for a ministry has dropped does not mean they will not perform to what they were doing. The impact of coronavirus has affected government and the latest budget announcement comes after a $1 billion stimulus package that was announced in COVID-19 response budget earlier this year. .display { width:620px; height:100%; } Sayed-Khaiyum says the free bus fare scheme for students will also have some changes as it has been noticed that truancy is rising amongst students and there has been abuse of the free bus fare scheme. Import Duty has also been increased for used hybrid vehicles - the new duty for used hybrid vehicles that are less than 1500cc will be $4,000 from the current $2,000 per unit, $5,000 duty for 1500cc to 2500cc used hybrid vehicles, $6,000 duty per unit for 2500 to 3000cc used hybrid vehicles and $13,000 duty per unit for those used hybrid vehicles exceeding 3000cc. Import Duty on children's clothing has been reduced from 32 percent to 5 percent. Used non-hybrid vehicles in this category will have a duty of 32 percent or $7,000 per unit. The Free Milk for Year 1 students will now only be for students in rural and maritime regions. The Ministry’s capital expenditures has decreased following the completion of cyclone related rehabilitation. Deputy Police Commissioner ACP Rusiate Tudravu says the funds allocated to them is more than enough to combat the rising issue of drugs in the country. To support pharmaceutical manufacturers in Fiji, the import on ethanol will now carry zero duty and the government is granting a 13‑year tax holiday for investments towards the setup of pharmaceutical manufacturing. Click Here for Budget Estimates 2020-2021. This collection of statistical resources on gender in Fiji has been curated by the Research and Library Services of the Fiji Parliament. Whether you’re watching live on television, listening on FCCC to charge fees to companies who hire them. When someone applies for government services, people's basic information can be checked and they no longer have to go to the Births Deaths and Marriages Office if they qualify for Social Welfare Assistance. Fiji's Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the government has manipulated the numbers in its Covid-19 response Budget unveiled on Thursday. Import Excise Duty will increase from 0 percent to 10 percent for imported chickens. It has also been highlighted that some parents have been abusing their children's bus cards. There will be a 50 percent investment allowance for building warehouses. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was speaking during his first nationwide budget consultations at the Sai Hall, Sigatoka, and Civic Centre in Nadi yesterday. There is a delay in the announcement of the COVID-19 response budget. 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