Nauru Government hails economic and social progress
The past month has seen much
progress for Nauru, both economically and socially, according to
the Government.
Finance minister David
Adeang said that closer cooperation and dialogue with other
countries, including Australia and New Zealand, has increased
opportunities for the nation.
Mr Adeang led a senior team
to Canberra last month where they received an update on Australian
priorities for the aid program, noting the focus on sustained
economic growth - including health, education and infrastructure -
and private sector development.
He said the Government of
Nauru reiterated its commitment to focus the aid program on key
areas that contribute to longer term economic
development.
"We are striving for a
better result in all areas for all Nauruans," Minister Adeang
said.
"The meeting with Australian
officials reaffirmed the significant steps we have taken to improve
the local economy, reform the legal system, rid our country from
past cronyism and corruption and secure our financial
future."
Mr Adeang said the
establishment of the Nauru Trust Fund and a move to join the
International Monetary Fund and World Bank were also important
measures to restore Nauru's international reputation and
credibility.
"We must bring back pride,
and the way to do this is to manage our economy well and act with
maturity."
While acknowledging
Australia's support for the trust fund, the minister also revealed
that many other issues were being discussed and improved, including
community policing.
"This is the time for all
Nauruans to come together and support what the Government is doing
for the future," he said.
"It's a time to put aside
political differences and focus on what is best for
Nauru."
The minister said that all
Government MPs were working hard to forge a successful future for
the country and he hoped that those on the Opposition would also
start to be better ambassadors abroad.