Minister for the Ministry of National Planning and Development Coordination (MNPDC) Hon. Rexson Ramofafia has emphasized that the Government’s ambitious budget for 2025 is committed to driving transformative investments that will propel economic growth and infrastructure development across the country.
Debating on the 2024 Appropriation Bill 2025 on floor of Parliament last week, Hon. Ramofafia emphasized that the 2025 Appropriation underpins key policies of fast-tracking investments in economic infrastructure and strengthening service delivery.
“This budget is about catalysing, accelerating, and sustaining accountable and transformative investments,” said Hon. Ramofafia.
“Despite adversities, this government is committed to advancing our country through robust policies that not only talk of transformation but back it with action.”
The budget includes landmark initiatives such as the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, a transformative $US202 million infrastructure investment anticipated to be the largest economic diversification project since independence.
Hon. Ramofafia said the plant is expected to generate thousands of jobs, promote sustainability, and improve national infrastructure resilience.
Furthermore, the 2025 budget allocates $113 million for critical infrastructure projects, an 11% increase over 2024, including upgrades to the Tandai Highway, new wharves in key provinces, and improved rural road connectivity.
“Significant investments in agriculture and tourism have also been announced, with $50 million and $46 million allocated respectively, marking the highest recorded levels in six and eleven years.
“These investments reflect the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT’s) clear focus on diversifying the economy.”
Hon. Ramofafia also drew attention to the broader economic context, stating, “We are not insulated from global shocks, but this government is determined to turn adversities into opportunities. This budget is a testament to our resolve to build a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive economy.”
The GNUT government is further pushing for private sector involvement and development partner support to amplify these efforts.
As the Minister responsible for national development planning and coordination, Ramofafia reiterate that the country is off-track on most fronts in regards to the five objectives of the National Development Strategy (NDS 2016-2035).
“Development Partners remain very critical to our development, 65% of the $13 billion mobilised for development programmmes from 2016 – 2021 came directly from our development parters and managed outside of SIG systems and processes by development partners.
The Minister called on development partners to continue work closely with SIG through his ministry and relevant line ministries to ensure that they are working together and not in cross-purpose with each other.
“Furthermore, we need more than just alignment to the National Development Strategy, we need development partners to implement national needs and priorities,” Hon. Ramofafia said.
– MNPDC Press
