10 May, 2021, 4:15 pm
In the Asian Development Outlook 2021, the ADB assumes a gradual resumption in tourism arrivals from the third quarter of 2021. Picture: SUPPLIED
The measures announced by the Government in response to the recent cases of COVID-19 are likely to have an immediate negative impact on economic activity, says Erik Aelbers, Head of Economics and Programming, ADB’s Pacific Sub-regional Office in Suva, Fiji.
However, he said it would be beneficial for Fiji’s economic recovery if Fiji could return to COVID-19 contained status.
Commenting in response to the ADB’s Asian Development Outlook 2021, Mr Aelbers said containing the spread of COVID-19 in Fiji was critically important from a public health perspective, but would also facilitate the return of tourism, the timing of which was the most important factor in spurring increased economic activity.