The European Union and the Fijian Government announced the disbursement of the last tranche of EUR 5 million (approx FJD 11.64 million) under the Support to Sustainable Rural Livelihoods programme.
The programme entails budget support of EUR 18 million as well as a technical assistance component implemented over a 3-year period from 2020 to 2022.
The transfer of funds is based on the achievement of agreed results by the Fijian Government in terms of implementation of the Strategic Development Plan of the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and of Public Finance Management reforms. Despite a challenging period characterised by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and severe cyclones, progress towards the five key strategic priorities of MoA namely Food and Nutrition Security, Sustainable Agriculture Livelihoods, Climate Smart Agriculture, Commercial Agriculture, and Quality Public Sector performance and Service Delivery has been demonstrated. This led, for example to the progressive increase of agricultural production and the upward trend of the volume and value of exports of fresh and chilled produce.
Facing the impact of an unprecedented crisis, the Government of Fiji addressed macroeconomic challenges and concentrated its efforts on sectors that were considered crucial such as agriculture. It also continued to seek governance improvement and strengthening of national systems, including public finance management.
The Government of Fiji expressed its deep appreciation for the continued EU partnership and timely assistance during that critical period. The EU Budget Support funds have contributed to the response and the economic recovery as well as to strengthened resilience.
The EU commended Fiji for its commitment to the implementation of the policies supported by the Sustainable Rural Livelihoods programme, while also highlighting the envisaged enhanced partnership between the EU and Fiji in the framework of the Green-Blue Alliance for the Pacific.
Source: EU Press Release
Photo: File
