Latu Sera Kaukilakeba

Ms. Latu Sera Kaukilakeba is an economist in the Economics Group of the Reserve Bank of Fiji (RBF).  She monitors and analyzes Fiji’s balance of payments (BOP) and foreign reserves, the performance of its major trading partners, and commodity price movements together with global economic and financial developments that can impact the domestic economy. Over the past five years, she has undertaken trade and BOP forecasts for the Fiji economy in collaboration with stakeholders such as the Fiji Sugar Industry, Emperor Goldmine Ltd, Fiji Water, Fiji Airways, oil companies, and the relevant government authorities—Investment Fiji, Fiji Islands Revenue & Customs Authority, Fiji Bureau of Statistics, Ministry of Industry, Tourism & Trade, Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Finance.  She has also worked with the Ministry of Industry, Trade & Tourism on the evaluation of trade agreements such as the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Trade Agreement on the feasibility of a proposed Stabilization Fund and the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus Trade in Services.  Another aspect of Ms. Kaukilakeba’s work includes drafting information papers for executive management, policy statements, and monthly/quarterly economic reports.  She has also represented the RBF in local and overseas seminars including a 2015 International Monetary Fund course on External Vulnerabilities, held in Washington, DC.

Ms. Kaukilakeba holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and accounting and a master’s degree of commerce from the University of the South Pacific as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in International Relations & Diplomacy from the University of Fiji.

During her Humphrey Fellowship year, Ms. Kaukilakeba aims to deepen her understanding of contemporary U.S. approaches to monetary policy analysis, financial regulation, and supervision during adverse economic situations. Toward that end, she intends to undertake advanced studies in public policy, leadership and project management. She also has special interest in researching capital flows and challenges as well as lessons for small economies.  She will utilize the knowledge and experience she gains in supporting the development of RBF monetary policies as well as select relevant advanced monitoring and supervision strategies for Fiji’s financial sector.