It is critical to ensure that nationwide budget consultations are held - AG

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says it is critical to ensure that nationwide budget consultations are held as 25% of Fiji’s population is between the age of 17 to 30 years and 69.4% are below the age of 40 years.

Sayed-Khaiyum made this comment in parliament when FijiFirst MP Mataiasi Niumataiwalu asked the Minister to explain why it is important to consult widely like the nationwide budget consultation especially with the younger generation regarding the future.

He says during the public consultations they listen to the key issues, are able to talk how the budget works, what are the things taken in consideration, where the economy is at, what is our GDP ratio and what is the economic outlook.

Sayed-Khaiyum says this process is a very useful exercise and it does include a lot of people.

Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu then asked Sayed-Khaiyum if he can withdraw himself and let the civil servants conduct the budget consultation.

In response, Sayed-Khaiyum said that the opposition is insulting our youth and think that these people have no mind of their own.

The National Budget consultations will continue this week.