STRENGTHS AND ENABLING ENVIRONMENT LAND REFORM 15 Reforms to improve access to land through the land-bank initiative have been implemented. The next area of focus is on the review of administrative processes, digitisation of land records and capacity-building to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of land-use administration. SUGARCANE INDUSTRY Government will continue to support the sugar industry to sustain the livelihoods of the more-than 200,000 people who depend on it. Efforts will be geared towards increasing productive capacity, improving transportation, implementing a new cane-quality payment system and generating additional revenue. To raise sugarcane production, replanting on unused sugar cane leases, securing more lease renewals and mechanisation will be pursued. financial reporting, government has adopted cash-basis International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and will move towards accrual accounting in the future. To facilitate this, the chart of accounts is under review, and the national asset register is being developed. Government procurement systems and processes have been enhanced, and we will continue to build capacity to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and accountability of the public financial management systems. PUBLIC ENTERPRISES Government had embarked on partial divestment of shares in a number of SOEs to encourage private sector partnerships and improve efficiency and service delivery. Moving forward, key sectors will be restructured to establish a multi-sector regulator for water, electricity and communications. Legislation governing publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) will be reviewed to support development of major national infrastructure, public utilities and other development projects. 2.5 GOODS MARKET REFORM An effective and well-functioning competition framework is an essential prerequisite for growth. Given the nature of business structures in Fiji, interventions to ensure competitive market behaviour in certain sectors will continue; however, progressive liberalisation (de-listing from the basket) will also be considered. CIVIL SERVICE Government will continue with the reform of the civil service to ensure strong leadership and service delivery. Recruitment will be based on merit and equal opportunity, and high performers will be retained. Staff performance will be improved through better training and an improved work environment where effort and hard work are recognised and rewarded. Institutional reviews and job evaluation exercises are being undertaken and implemented beginning with new salary bands for the civil service. This will improve the work environment, improve work processes and bring greater accountability and transparency. FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Reforms to improve management of public finances will continue. Assessments of public expenditure and financial accountability have been undertaken to identify future areas of improvement and reform. The Financial Management Act is also being reviewed to align it with the Constitution and international best practices. For 7. Good Governance The fundamentals for democratic and accountable governance set out under the Constitution are important enablers involving a commitment to free and fair elections, ensuring that the law applies equally to all, limiting corruption, allowing active participation in political, economic and social affairs, ensuring safe and secure communities and protecting the basic freedoms and human rights of all Fijians. Government will be fully accountable to the people of Fiji through Parliament, and resources will be allocated to support a robust and effective parliamentary and committee system, ensuring scrutiny of public programmes and policies through open and informed debates on issues of national interest. Resources have been allocated to independent commissions to enable the effective performance of their constitutional roles and responsibilities. This includes the Fiji Elections Office, where capacity will be maintained to support the effective conduct of future general elections. Reforms to the legislative framework for local government will be implemented to facilitate the conduct of municipal elections. A whole-of-government approach, in partnership with civil society, is needed to support reforms to implement the recommendations agreed to under Fiji’s 2nd Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in 2014.7 This includes ratification of all human rights treaties and conventions by 2024. The Human Rights and Anti-discrimination Commission (HRADC) will be resourced to address all human rights complaints efficiently and effectively. Effective administration and enforcement of standards of conduct for senior public officials and the Freedom of Information law are critical measures to ensure 28th Session of UNHRC - Fiji’s 2nd Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Other major commitments are the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action (SAMOA) Pathway 2014