13 May 2006

Marshall Islands told to improve economic performance

10:05 am on 13 May 2006

Marshall Islands Economic Policy, Planning and Statistics Office says the country needs to improve its performance.

The Marshall Islands national budget is about 146 million US dollars for the current year for its 55,000 people.

Director Carl Hacker says money regulations from Washington have been tightened up, and stepped-up accounting and reporting are required before funds are released to the Marshall Islands.

But Mr Hacker says enough money is coming in, so the negative performance results are not a question of a lack of resources.

He says Marshall Islanders have to re-arrange the way they think, especially in the management and administration sectors.

The CEO is also encouraging community and non-governmental groups to become more active in the social services sector to help improve the country's performance.