Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Foreign Affairs) Share this | Hansard source

The pandemic is having a significant economic impact. The International Monetary Fund predicts growth in Pacific Island countries will be between zero and negative 12 per cent this year. For example, up to 70,000 tourism jobs are at risk in Fiji alone. In South-East Asia, economic growth is stalling, after five decades of rapid expansion.

We're working closely with partners and with international financial institutions to forge pathways to economic recovery by keeping markets and businesses functioning, avoiding government debt stress, and strengthening human capital and job creation. Also in Indonesia, for example, we're providing technical advice on economic stimulus and social protection measures. In the Pacific we're delivering immediate financing support to strengthen our neighbours' capacity to provide essential services to their communities.