5-year & 20-year National Development Plan 2017.

The 20-Year Development Plan provides the forward-looking vision for “Transforming Fiji” towards an even more progressive, vibrant and inclusive society. It outlines a framework that encompasses strategic policy manoeuvres, new approaches to development and the aspirations of all Fijians. The Plan consists of two prongs or approaches, which are designated as: “Inclusive Socio-economic Development” and “Transformational Strategic Thrusts”. Inclusive Socio-economic Development will ensure that all socio-economic rights in the Constitution are realised. Inclusivity will be at the centre of growth and development, and the benefits of prosperity will be spread as widely as possible to improve the social well-being of all Fijians. No one will be left behind regardless of geographical location, gender, ethnicity, physical and intellectual capability and social and economic status. Transformational Strategic Thrusts are game changing forward-looking policy shifts to expand development frontier and support the vision of transforming Fiji. New and emerging growth sectors will be nurtured, connectivity within and to the outside world will be improved, new technologies will be embraced, productivity will be maximised, human capital development will be accelerated and green growth will be a key guiding principle in the implementation of this Plan.
Inclusive socio-economic development is essential to further improve the living standards of Fijians. Sustained economic expansion supported by private sector investment and trade and the enhanced provision of social services and public goods will be paramount. Macroeconomic and fiscal stability will be maintained. Food and nutrition security will be improved by ensuring increased local production, raising farm efficiency and productivity, and developing more effective distribution systems. Agriculture and fisheries programmes will be enhanced, and local produce made available to all Fijians. New technology, mechanisation and better production practices will be adopted. Market linkages will be improved. Large-scale production will be encouraged and supported to achieve greater economies of scale. Organic farming will be promoted, and production of traditional crops and niche agricultural and fisheries products will be pursued.
Social inclusion and empowerment is a cross cutting issue that will be addressed through a multidimensional approach with strategic interventions. Extreme poverty and hunger do not exist in Fiji due to the availability of agricultural and fisheries products and the existence of a sharing culture. Income poverty is also on a declining trend. Over the next 5 years, the government will ensure that every Fijian is provided with the basic amenities of life. Social inclusion programmes such as the poverty benefit scheme, welfare graduation programme and social pension scheme will be maintained (3.1.7). There will be equal access by all to the factors of agricultural production. This policy will pay particular attention to the gender differences in access to and repayment of credit, the beneficiaries of land purchase, land titling, public amenities, extension services and technology.
Climate change has emerged as a major global challenge threatening biodiversity, livelihoods and human life. Small island developing states are already being adversely affected by the increased intensity and frequency of natural disasters, loss of productive farmland from saltwater intrusion, relocation of communities near coastal regions and substantial financial drain for mitigation and rehabilitation efforts. Fiji will continue its stewardship of climate change issues at the local, regional and global level with the plight of small island developing states at the centre of this concern (2.6). The integrated nature of development and the need for multi-sectoral solutions are recognised and addressed. Critical cross-cutting issues such as climate change, green growth, the environment, gender equality, disability and governance are mainstreamed in the NDP. Fiji’s system of governance is based on the principle that all Fijians are equal under the law. Preserving this system warrants a strong commitment to upholding the rule of law and national security. The Fijian Constitution will be protected and defended at all times. Apart from the traditional security challenges, focus will also be placed on protecting Fijians from environmental risks and natural disasters, transnational crimes (human and drug trafficking), food and nutrition security and public health risks and financial and cybercrime.