The New Zealand Government has offered a grant contribution of NZ$40m (approx.FJ$60m) in budget support to Fiji in response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr says the financial assistance will contribute to Fiji’s response to the pandemic, with a focus on promoting a sustainable and inclusive recovery that assists the most vulnerable.
“This budget support package demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to supporting the Government of Fiji to address the immediate socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributes to the medium-term ambition for an equitable economic recovery, for all Fijians. We commend Fiji’s management of an effective COVID-19 response and we remain committed to supporting Fiji’s ongoing resilience during what is an extremely challenging time,” Curr said.
This contribution is part of New Zealand’s wider package of vaccine and economic support to the Pacific announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Nanaia Mahuta and Associate Health and Foreign Affairs Minister Aupito William Sio. (https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/further-covid-19-vaccine-and-economic-support-pacific)
“New Zealand’s further economic support to Pacific countries will help them respond to the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and move towards long-term economic resilience,” the Ministers said.
New Zealand is also partnering with Australia and UNICEF to procure further vaccines for the Pacific, and providing other targeted support where necessary.
As Pacific whanaunga and friends, New Zealand stands by Fiji as it responds to the current COVID-19 outbreak, and remains committed to working closely together to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Press Release
