Esrom Yosef Immanuel has been officially sworn in as Fiji’s new Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development.
The ceremony was officiated by the Acting President, Justice Salesi Temo at Government House today.
Immanuel, who previously served as the Assistant Minister for Finance, takes over the crucial portfolio from National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad.
His appointment follows the resignation of Prof Prasad last week.
Professor Prasad had held the Finance portfolio since the coalition government took office in December 2022.
Meanwhile, investment activity in Fiji is showing signs of improvement as business confidence strengthens, supported by a more favourable investment environment, according to the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s October 2025 Economic Review.
Partial indicators reveal that construction activity has accelerated, with the total value of work put in place rising 12 percent in the year to the second quarter. This growth reflects higher levels of both public and private sector projects, aided by a 3.2 percent fall in building material prices during the September quarter.
“The uptick in construction and business investment intentions highlights growing confidence in Fiji’s economic outlook,” the RBF stated.
Construction-related imports increased by 5.1 percent to $2.9 billion (US$1.45 million) cumulative to July, signalling stronger demand for machinery and building materials. However, new investment lending declined by 5 percent, driven largely by weaker credit to the real estate (-3.7 percent) and building and construction (-16.8 percent) sectors.
The central bank added that financial conditions remain favourable, with broad money expanding 10.9 percent in September, driven by higher private sector credit (9.6 percent) and rising foreign reserves.
“Overall, investment activity is poised to remain firm in the coming months as confidence and construction momentum continue to build,” the RBF said.
