The poverty level in Fiji has fallen from about 35% in 2002 to about 31% in 2008 in the urban areas.
While replying to a question posed by MP Brij Lal in parliament this morning, Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jioji Konrote said this is the most recent status received from the Household Income Expenditure survey.
Konrote said it is imperative to note that whilst the National poverty level has decreased in urban poverty, rural poverty has increased.
Konrote said this is why the Ministry has targeted the rural communities and the unemployed youth to work in both Australia and New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Work Scheme.
He added that it is on the existing personnel who are now employed under the scheme in Australia and New Zealand to perform well.
He said this will in return enable the country to increase its product in both countries which will than enable the Ministry to extend the program to include the recruitment of those unemployed in the urban areas.
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