The Economy Of Fiji

Fiji has distinct institutional features that make it an ideal case for examining and discussing the consequences of institutional arrangements (particularly the nature of property rights) for national economic performance, development prospects, and the state of the environment which in turn, reflects a nation's ability to achieve sustainable development. Furthermore, the nature of institutional arrangements in Fiji can be used to illustrate aspects of both the new and the 'old' institutional economics. Apart from the fact that Fiji provides considerable scope for the exploration of institutional economics and its applications, Fiji is a comparatively important island nation in the south-west Pacific, that is, an important member of the Pacific Island Forum grouping of 14 island nations. The recent development of Fiji has been much influenced by its social history, particularly by its institutional structures established or codified during British colonial rule. Its present racial composition is largely a product of British colonisation. of Indians brought to Fiji by the British to produce sugar cane as a contribution to the economic development of the former British Empire. In many respects, the type of global imperialism that was well established during the nineteenth century was a forerunner to modern economic globalisation which involves a mixture of free trading blocs and multilateralism. The current population mixture of Fiji consisting of about equal numbers of Indian Fijians and Indigenous Fijians has its roots in Fiji's colonial history. Furthermore, the codified systems of property rights (which largely excludes Indian Fijians from the ownership of land) was established by the British. It has been a major source of ethnic tension, and of social and political conflict in Fiji. We show that this system of property rights has had important negative consequences for economic growth in Fiji, for the economic performance of its industries, and for the conservation of its natural resources. natural resources which may not be equitable, and which also does not appear to be efficient administratively. This adds to social and political tension in Fiji.

Covers trends from 1981 to 1991. Provides an overview of important developments and issues, noting, interalia, the increasing economic role of women.

This paper reviews economic developments in Fiji during 1990–95. The reorientation of policies, although incomplete, led to stronger growth of nontraditional exports and non-sugar manufacturing, and to a pickup in GDP growth to an average of 4.1 percent between 1988 and 1993. Fiscal deficits declined in the early 1990s, although often larger than budgeted, and the external current account progressively turned into a surplus position. Despite the actions undertaken, however, private investment did not recover from its slump in the late 1980s impeding the economy from fully exploiting its growth potential.

This report identifies uncertainty about constitutional and political rights, property rights and economic policies as major constraints to investment. Foreign investment is identified as having an important role to play in promoting economic growth and development.

This study concerns the differentials of economic growth among the Fijian people. It brings together relevant factors drawn from social, cultural, economic and political analysis. As a case study in economic growth, it portrays the interplay between individuals and the social and economic conditions which surround them, and demonstrates the limitations of the institutions within which they function. Controversial points of interpretation are discussed and supported with documentation gathered from field-work. Originally published in 1964.