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Fiji - finances
Fiji's Fiscal Review Committee says the government has not responded to economic developments with the urgency and flexibility that is needed.
The Fiji Times reported that, in its submission on the 2024-2025 National Budget, the committee said business confidence appears to be waning.
The Committee highlighted areas of priority for the government in the 2024-2025 National Budget, upon the request of the Finance Ministry.
But it does concede 'not all critical economic factors are within government's control.'
FBC reported Fiji's Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has acknowledged the assessment.
"If you look at what they've said, they are actually commending the government for bold and decisive action that we took last year in terms of our revenue measures, in terms of our expenditure measures.
"And this time around, they have had the opportunity of assessing what the government has done in the last 18 months. And obviously, they feel that there are areas where government needs to step up."
Papua New Guinea - corruption
An official Papua New Guinea delegation responsible for combating corruption has spoken to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) on the country's progress.
Dr Eric Kwa, the Secretary of the Department for Justice & Attorney-General, informed delegates from the 190 member states to UNCAC, that PNG has established a fully functioning Independent Commission against Corruption, with preventative, investigative and prosecution powers.
Dr Kwa said addressing corruption and building an integrity system within the country is a strategic priority of the current Papua New Guinea Government.
Tonga - education
Tonga's Finance Minister has announced funding for education initiatives in an effort to improve accessibility.
Secondary schools will get an extra 70 Tongan paʻanga per head (from $700 to $770 per head) and early childhood centres will get an extra 150 Tongan paʻanga per head ($50 to $200).
A total of 113.4 million Tongan paʻanga has been allocated to support the implementation of activities under the 'Government Priority Agenda 4: Improving education for all'.
Northern Mariana Islands - tourism
The Northern Mariana Islands governor has doubled down on what he calls an unstable China tourism market.
Arnold Palacios is encouraging tourism industry stakeholders in the CNMI to not put their eggs in one basket and not look at the China tourism market as a cure-all.
But he said contrary to what his critics say, his administration welcomes all visitors to the CNMI, including visitors from mainland China.
CNMI visitor numbers are down by 54 percent when compared with 2017 numbers.
Cook Islands - budget
Cook Islands Parliament is sitting to discuss the National Budget.
Cook Islands News reported the Appropriation Bill was tabled in Parliament last month by Prime Minister Mark Brown allocating a proposed NZ$328 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Themed perseverance, Brown said the budget aims to support the most vulnerable.
It includes NZ$1.3m over four years to increase in minimum wage from NZ$9 an hour to NZ$9.50, and NZ$3.2m over four years to cover welfare beneficiaries.