XM-DAC-46004-55116-001-LN4193 Asian Development Bank The program supports Fiji's efforts to restore fiscal sustainability and inclusive climate-resilient economic growth, which have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and coinciding disasters, while building fiscal, community, and private sector resilience to climate change and future shocks. The program comprises three reform areas and complements ADB's previous engagement while responding to policy challenges intensified by the pandemic. All program policy actions have been completed and reforms are under implementation. Reform area 1: Public financial management for fiscal resilience and debt sustainability. The program supported the government in undertaking a series of reforms to help restore fiscal and debt sustainability. Reform area 2: Public policy for community resilience. The government has undertaken several reforms under program to more effectively support and protect women, the poor, and vulnerable people, especially in the face of shocks. Reform area 3: Enabling environment for resilient private sector recovery. Supporting the recovery of businesses and fostering the creation of new enterprises is critical for economic recovery and resilience. As part of the program, several actions have been completed. Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy Asian Development Bank Asian Development Bank Erik Aelbers https://www.adb.org/forms/request-information-form?topic=projects&source=PDS&subject=55116-001 (Closed)&officer= eaelbers@adb.org&division= Social Sectors and Public Sector Management Division&projectcountry= Fiji Fiji -17.83536 177.9636 Accelerating progress in gender equality Addressing remaining poverty and reducing inequalities Effective gender mainstreaming (EGM) Environmentally sustainable growth Governance and capacity development Inclusive economic growth Knowledge solutions Partnerships Private sector development Strengthening governance and institutional capacity Tackling climate change, building climate and disaster resilience, and enhancing environmental sustainability 60000000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 60000000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 556666.67 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 600000 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy 0 Asian Development Bank Ministry of Economy Fiduciary Performance Policy Output/s as listed by the project staff. 100% contracts awarded and 100% disbursed as of November 2022. Outputs are in the Project/Program Completion Report: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-documents/55116/55116-001-pcr-en.pdf a. The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Climate Change Act 2021 on 23 September 2021 to establish a gender-sensitive framework for resilience building and mitigation that safeguards the future of Fiji by mainstreaming climate change throughout the public sector, including by introducing requirements for the inclusion of climate change considerations in public procurement, the national budget, and agencies\2019 budget submissions. b. To increase fiscal sustainability and resilience by lowering debt servicing costs and refinancing risks, 1.2.1 Cabinet approved in January 2021 Fiji\2019s medium-term debt management strategy for FY2021\2013FY2023 for implementation with immediate effect, and the Ministry of Economy has published it on its website to enhance fiscal transparency; and 1.2.2 the Ministry of Economy is implementing an annual borrowing plan in FY2022, approved in April 2022, consistent with the medium-term debt management strategy, and integrated into its medium-term fiscal strategy. c. The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2021 which commenced on 1 April 2022, which (i) mandates a fiscal strategy that considers the impact of policy decisions on present and future generations, (ii) strengthens controls and accountability of permanent secretaries, and (iii) introduces new legal requirements to improve procurement and cash management, to foster fiscal sustainability and the rebuilding of buffers. d. The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has established and operationalized a new tax information system that covers pay-as-you-earn tax on employment income from February 2021, to improve domestic resource mobilization by facilitating taxpayer compliance and to collect real-time data for better decision-making, forecasting, and planning. Policy Action/s as listed by the project staff. Action 1: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2021 which commenced on 1 April 2022, which (i) mandates a fiscal strategy that considers the impact of policy decisions on present and future generations, (ii) strengthens controls and accountability of permanent secretaries, and (iii) introduces new legal requirements to improve procurement and cash management, to foster fiscal sustainability and the rebuilding of buffers. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 2: To increase fiscal sustainability and resilience by lowering debt servicing costs and refinancing risks, 1.2.1 Cabinet approved in January 2021 Fiji's medium-term debt management strategy for FY2021-FY2023 for implementation with immediate effect, and the Ministry of Economy has published it on its website to enhance fiscal transparency; and 1.2.2 the Ministry of Economy is implementing an annual borrowing plan in FY2022, approved in April 2022, consistent with the medium-term debt management strategy, and integrated into its medium-term fiscal strategy Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has established and operationalized a new tax information system that covers pay-as-you-earn tax on employment income from February 2021, to improve domestic resource mobilization by facilitating taxpayer compliance and to collect real-time data for better decision-making, forecasting, and planning. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Climate Change Act 2021 on 23 September 2021 to establish a gender-sensitive framework for resilience building and mitigation that safeguards the future of Fiji by mainstreaming climate change throughout the public sector, including by introducing requirements for the inclusion of climate change considerations in public procurement, the national budget, and agencies' budget submissions. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2021 which commenced on 1 April 2022, which (i) mandates a fiscal strategy that considers the impact of policy decisions on present and future generations, (ii) strengthens controls and accountability of permanent secretaries, and (iii) introduces new legal requirements to improve procurement and cash management, to foster fiscal sustainability and the rebuilding of buffers. Target date: 2023-06-30 Policy 1: Public financial management for fiscal resilience and debt sustainability NA Action 2: To increase fiscal sustainability and resilience by lowering debt servicing costs and refinancing risks, 1.2.1 Cabinet approved in January 2021 Fiji's medium-term debt management strategy for FY2021-FY2023 for implementation with immediate effect, and the Ministry of Economy has published it on its website to enhance fiscal transparency; and 1.2.2 the Ministry of Economy is implementing an annual borrowing plan in FY2022, approved in April 2022, consistent with the medium-term debt management strategy, and integrated into its medium-term fiscal strategy Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has established and operationalized a new tax information system that covers pay-as-you-earn tax on employment income from February 2021, to improve domestic resource mobilization by facilitating taxpayer compliance and to collect real-time data for better decision-making, forecasting, and planning. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Climate Change Act 2021 on 23 September 2021 to establish a gender-sensitive framework for resilience building and mitigation that safeguards the future of Fiji by mainstreaming climate change throughout the public sector, including by introducing requirements for the inclusion of climate change considerations in public procurement, the national budget, and agencies' budget submissions. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: Five additional ministries (beyond the two included in the pilot phase) have implemented and are monitoring gender-responsive budget allocations for 10 programs in FY2022, (effective from 1 August 2021), building on lessons from the pilot run in FY2021, to institutionalize the new gender-responsive budgeting methodology through the public financial management system that enables a more equitable allocation of resources and strengthens the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people. Target date: 2023-06-30 Policy 1: Public financial management for fiscal resilience and debt sustainability Outcome 2: Government guarantees for Energy Fiji Limited have been reduced to zero (2020 baseline: F$50.2 million) Source: Ministry of Economy national budget documentation. Action 2: To increase fiscal sustainability and resilience by lowering debt servicing costs and refinancing risks, 1.2.1 Cabinet approved in January 2021 Fiji's medium-term debt management strategy for FY2021-FY2023 for implementation with immediate effect, and the Ministry of Economy has published it on its website to enhance fiscal transparency; and 1.2.2 the Ministry of Economy is implementing an annual borrowing plan in FY2022, approved in April 2022, consistent with the medium-term debt management strategy, and integrated into its medium-term fiscal strategy Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service has established and operationalized a new tax information system that covers pay-as-you-earn tax on employment income from February 2021, to improve domestic resource mobilization by facilitating taxpayer compliance and to collect real-time data for better decision-making, forecasting, and planning. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Climate Change Act 2021 on 23 September 2021 to establish a gender-sensitive framework for resilience building and mitigation that safeguards the future of Fiji by mainstreaming climate change throughout the public sector, including by introducing requirements for the inclusion of climate change considerations in public procurement, the national budget, and agencies' budget submissions. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Financial Management (Amendment) Act 2021 which commenced on 1 April 2022, which (i) mandates a fiscal strategy that considers the impact of policy decisions on present and future generations, (ii) strengthens controls and accountability of permanent secretaries, and (iii) introduces new legal requirements to improve procurement and cash management, to foster fiscal sustainability and the rebuilding of buffers. Target date: 2023-06-30 Policy 2: Public policy for community resilience NA Action 2: Cabinet has approved in February 2021, for implementation with immediate effect by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, an overarching social assistance policy that guides gender-responsive targeting of social assistance programs to increase the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people, including to climate-related disasters. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: To provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable people (including farmers, fishers, and market vendors) following disasters caused by natural hazards, 1.3.1 the government has launched a new market-based climate risk parametric microinsurance product in August 2021 that transfers risks from individuals and small businesses to the private (re)insurance market, in partnership with local private sector insurance companies; and 1.3.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Value-Added Tax (Budget Amendment) Act 2021 that came into force on 1 August 2021, which exempted from value-added tax, the premiums on climate and disaster risk parametric insurance products to accelerate their rollout. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: Cabinet has approved in June 2021, for implementation with immediate effect, the Rural Water and Sanitation Policy, and the Water Authority of Fiji, through the government-subsidized Rural Water Supply Program and non-government organizations has begun implementing the policy to sustainably manage rural water resources and provide reliable, safe, and affordable water and sanitation services to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people). Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 5: To safeguard and expand the provision of reliable, affordable, and renewable electricity to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people), and in line with its ongoing privatization program, the government has 1.5.1 undertaken the partial privatization of Energy Fiji Limited through a share sale agreement in June 2021 with private investors that brings in private sector financing as well as technological and operational expertise in renewable energy and network optimization to improve performance and service delivery; and 1.5.2 entered into in April 2021 and is implementing an agreement with Energy Fiji Limited for maintaining and expanding services to underserved rural communities, in line with an agreed methodology and payment mechanism for non-commercial obligations.kj Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: Five additional ministries (beyond the two included in the pilot phase) have implemented and are monitoring gender-responsive budget allocations for 10 programs in FY2022, (effective from 1 August 2021), building on lessons from the pilot run in FY2021, to institutionalize the new gender-responsive budgeting methodology through the public financial management system that enables a more equitable allocation of resources and strengthens the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people. Target date: 2023-06-30 Policy 2: Public policy for community resilience NA Action 2: Cabinet has approved in February 2021, for implementation with immediate effect by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, an overarching social assistance policy that guides gender-responsive targeting of social assistance programs to increase the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people, including to climate-related disasters. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: To provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable people (including farmers, fishers, and market vendors) following disasters caused by natural hazards, 1.3.1 the government has launched a new market-based climate risk parametric microinsurance product in August 2021 that transfers risks from individuals and small businesses to the private (re)insurance market, in partnership with local private sector insurance companies; and 1.3.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Value-Added Tax (Budget Amendment) Act 2021 that came into force on 1 August 2021, which exempted from value-added tax, the premiums on climate and disaster risk parametric insurance products to accelerate their rollout. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: Cabinet has approved in June 2021, for implementation with immediate effect, the Rural Water and Sanitation Policy, and the Water Authority of Fiji, through the government-subsidized Rural Water Supply Program and non-government organizations has begun implementing the policy to sustainably manage rural water resources and provide reliable, safe, and affordable water and sanitation services to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people). Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 5: To safeguard and expand the provision of reliable, affordable, and renewable electricity to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people), and in line with its ongoing privatization program, the government has 1.5.1 undertaken the partial privatization of Energy Fiji Limited through a share sale agreement in June 2021 with private investors that brings in private sector financing as well as technological and operational expertise in renewable energy and network optimization to improve performance and service delivery; and 1.5.2 entered into in April 2021 and is implementing an agreement with Energy Fiji Limited for maintaining and expanding services to underserved rural communities, in line with an agreed methodology and payment mechanism for non-commercial obligations.kj Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: Five additional ministries (beyond the two included in the pilot phase) have implemented and are monitoring gender-responsive budget allocations for 10 programs in FY2022, (effective from 1 August 2021), building on lessons from the pilot run in FY2021, to institutionalize the new gender-responsive budgeting methodology through the public financial management system that enables a more equitable allocation of resources and strengthens the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people. Target date: 2023-06-30 Policy 2: Public policy for community resilience NA Action 2: Cabinet has approved in February 2021, for implementation with immediate effect by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, an overarching social assistance policy that guides gender-responsive targeting of social assistance programs to increase the resilience of women, the poor, and vulnerable people, including to climate-related disasters. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 3: To provide immediate financial relief to vulnerable people (including farmers, fishers, and market vendors) following disasters caused by natural hazards, 1.3.1 the government has launched a new market-based climate risk parametric microinsurance product in August 2021 that transfers risks from individuals and small businesses to the private (re)insurance market, in partnership with local private sector insurance companies; and 1.3.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Value-Added Tax (Budget Amendment) Act 2021 that came into force on 1 August 2021, which exempted from value-added tax, the premiums on climate and disaster risk parametric insurance products to accelerate their rollout. Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 4: Cabinet has approved in June 2021, for implementation with immediate effect, the Rural Water and Sanitation Policy, and the Water Authority of Fiji, through the government-subsidized Rural Water Supply Program and non-government organizations has begun implementing the policy to sustainably manage rural water resources and provide reliable, safe, and affordable water and sanitation services to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people). Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 5: To safeguard and expand the provision of reliable, affordable, and renewable electricity to all Fijians (including women, the poor, and vulnerable people), and in line with its ongoing privatization program, the government has 1.5.1 undertaken the partial privatization of Energy Fiji Limited through a share sale agreement in June 2021 with private investors that brings in private sector financing as well as technological and operational expertise in renewable energy and network optimization to improve performance and service delivery; and 1.5.2 entered into in April 2021 and is implementing an agreement with Energy Fiji Limited for maintaining and expanding services to underserved rural communities, in line with an agreed methodology and payment mechanism for non-commercial obligations.kj Target date: 2023-06-30 Action 1: To provide immediate relief to and support the medium-term recovery of existing businesses and the creation of new businesses (including those run by women) from COVID-19 impacts, 1.1.1 the government has established and made operational through the Reserve Bank of Fiji effective from 1 August 2021, a working capital facility that provides a 2-year interest rate subsidy and can be accessed through licensed financial institutions, and 1.1.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Customs Tariff (Budget Amendment) Act 2020 which came into force on 18 July 2020, to simplify compliance and reduce customs and fiscal duties on a range of imported inputs relevant for business recovery. Target date: 2022-05-15 Policy 3: Enabling environment for resilient private sector recovery NA Action 2: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Business Licensing (Repeal) Act 2020 which came into force on 1 August 2020, to remove the requirement for new businesses to apply for business licenses and promote the formalization and creation of new enterprises (including those run by women).lk Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 3: The minister responsible for companies made regulations under the Companies Act 2015, the Companies (Wholesale Corporate Bonds) Regulations 2021, which came into force on 22 January 2021, to clarify the process and regulatory requirements for issuing corporate bonds in the primary market and trading in the secondary market, to improve the financial health and resilience of businesses by enhancing their access to long-term finance. Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 4: To improve financial health of businesses and resilience of the private sector by reducing transaction costs for businesses, 1.4.1 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the National Payment System Act 2021 on 12 February 2021 to empower the Reserve Bank of Fiji to regulate, provide oversight over, and supervise the national payment system in a transparent and efficient manner that fosters digital payment solutions;nm 1.4.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Stamp Duties (Repeal) Act 2020 that came into force on 1 August 2020 to abolish stamp duties on government documents. Target date: 2022-05-15 Policy 3: Enabling environment for resilient private sector recovery NA Action 2: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Business Licensing (Repeal) Act 2020 which came into force on 1 August 2020, to remove the requirement for new businesses to apply for business licenses and promote the formalization and creation of new enterprises (including those run by women).lk Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 3: The minister responsible for companies made regulations under the Companies Act 2015, the Companies (Wholesale Corporate Bonds) Regulations 2021, which came into force on 22 January 2021, to clarify the process and regulatory requirements for issuing corporate bonds in the primary market and trading in the secondary market, to improve the financial health and resilience of businesses by enhancing their access to long-term finance. Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 4: To improve financial health of businesses and resilience of the private sector by reducing transaction costs for businesses, 1.4.1 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the National Payment System Act 2021 on 12 February 2021 to empower the Reserve Bank of Fiji to regulate, provide oversight over, and supervise the national payment system in a transparent and efficient manner that fosters digital payment solutions;nm 1.4.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Stamp Duties (Repeal) Act 2020 that came into force on 1 August 2020 to abolish stamp duties on government documents. Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 1: To provide immediate relief to and support the medium-term recovery of existing businesses and the creation of new businesses (including those run by women) from COVID-19 impacts, 1.1.1 the government has established and made operational through the Reserve Bank of Fiji effective from 1 August 2021, a working capital facility that provides a 2-year interest rate subsidy and can be accessed through licensed financial institutions, and 1.1.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Customs Tariff (Budget Amendment) Act 2020 which came into force on 18 July 2020, to simplify compliance and reduce customs and fiscal duties on a range of imported inputs relevant for business recovery. Target date: 2022-05-15 Policy 3: Enabling environment for resilient private sector recovery NA Action 2: The Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Business Licensing (Repeal) Act 2020 which came into force on 1 August 2020, to remove the requirement for new businesses to apply for business licenses and promote the formalization and creation of new enterprises (including those run by women).lk Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 3: The minister responsible for companies made regulations under the Companies Act 2015, the Companies (Wholesale Corporate Bonds) Regulations 2021, which came into force on 22 January 2021, to clarify the process and regulatory requirements for issuing corporate bonds in the primary market and trading in the secondary market, to improve the financial health and resilience of businesses by enhancing their access to long-term finance. Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 4: To improve financial health of businesses and resilience of the private sector by reducing transaction costs for businesses, 1.4.1 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the National Payment System Act 2021 on 12 February 2021 to empower the Reserve Bank of Fiji to regulate, provide oversight over, and supervise the national payment system in a transparent and efficient manner that fosters digital payment solutions;nm 1.4.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Stamp Duties (Repeal) Act 2020 that came into force on 1 August 2020 to abolish stamp duties on government documents. Target date: 2022-05-15 Action 1: To provide immediate relief to and support the medium-term recovery of existing businesses and the creation of new businesses (including those run by women) from COVID-19 impacts, 1.1.1 the government has established and made operational through the Reserve Bank of Fiji effective from 1 August 2021, a working capital facility that provides a 2-year interest rate subsidy and can be accessed through licensed financial institutions, and 1.1.2 the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji passed the Customs Tariff (Budget Amendment) Act 2020 which came into force on 18 July 2020, to simplify compliance and reduce customs and fiscal duties on a range of imported inputs relevant for business recovery. Target date: 2022-05-15