By JYOTI PRATIBHA
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama yesterday said there is a growing sense of optimism in our economy as more people are borrowing money to invest.
“New job advertisements are up by 14 per cent, new bank loans for investment have risen by 109 per cent and as of last November, imports of investment goods have increased by 27 per cent,” he said.
“However, you don’t need these figures to know that things are picking up.
“Just look around. Everywhere you can see new investment, construction projects- big and small, job creation, demand for services and an expectation that things are going to keep getting better.”
Commodore Bainimarama said smart investors were not waiting until after elections to take advantage of all the incentives and concessions that are already in place.
“Growing the economy is about creating opportunity for Fijians,” he said.
“This is whether it’s a new job or sustaining a job with good working conditions, whether it’s starting a small business or expanding a larger one.
“We care about economic growth because we want to create these sorts of opportunities for our people.”
Commodore Bainimarama said Government wanted jobs and economic opportunities for the young people that offer good career prospects.
“I’m proud to say that in Fiji over the past seven years, we haven’t cut corners for short term gain,” he said.