The 2020/2021 National Budget is an optimistic and important one for the country, according to Mark One Apparel managing director Mark Halabe.
He said the budget had to be optimistic and had to give everybody a chance to revive the economy.
“We need Fiji’s economy to move forward even in the worst case scenario that our major industry — tourism industry — if it doesn’t move soon, we got to consider other industries.
“Giving the incentives to everybody to think how they can get into a business or get economic returns rather than sit at home and do nothing.
“I think this budget gave us that opportunity, that there are many opportunities in all fields across Fiji where if you become unemployed, there is a better chance for you now to find something of economic value that you can find an income.”
He said over many global disasters, the best way forward in these circumstances was to get the economy revived as quickly as possible.
“I have noted that many people have said in the media that it’s a rich man’s budget and I can hear their arguments and see why did we reduce the tariffs on whitegoods, jewellery and cars and who can afford this anyway, how is it going to help the poor.
“The reality is we got to incentivise people to get into income earning scenarios, there is no quick fix.
“If the Government places the platform, it makes it available and people will find out a way to take advantage of it and move the country forward economically, that’s all good,” he said.
