16 Aug 2006

USP economist questions Reserve Bank revision of Fijis's GDP growth

10:06 am on 16 August 2006

A senior economist at the University of the South Pacific says the Fiji Reserve Bank's revision of GDP growth upwards by 0.4% does not mean much because it is within the range of statistical error.

Dr Sukhdev Shah says much more important would be the bank's forecast for medium term growth with is for 2.7% annually.

He says even if the 2.7% growth is sustained over the medium term, it is much below the range to assure robust growth in jobs and provide resources to alleviate poverty.

Dr Shah says to make progress in these directions, the economy must grow by about 5% sustained over many years.

He says the sad truth is the economy's medium and long term prospects remain bleak.