Maldives Import-Export Act Amendment Targets Tobacco Import Tariff Increase

The Maldivian Cabinet has decided to propose an amendment to the Maldives Import and Export Act, in order to increase import tariffs on tobacco by 200 percent.

The Cabinet also decided to increase the import tariffs on alcohol, pork and certain plastic products imported to the Maldives, by 100 percent.

The amendment, however, proposes a 15 percent reduction on the import tariffs on milk products.

At March 29, 2011's meeting, the Cabinet also decided to issue sovereign guarantees to help individual home owners to fast track delayed completion of residential buildings due to lack of finance.

Cabinet members underlined that construction of many homes in Male has been slowed down or discontinued due to a lack of financing.

They underscored that, with the provision of affordable housing being one of the key government pledges, the government should assist individual home owners to complete construction of their homes that were slowed down or discontinued due to lack of funding.

The Ministry of Housing and Environment will announce details and procedures to apply for guarantees following the Cabinet's decision to issue sovereign guarantees to such homeowners to ease the housing problem in Male, the President's Office said.

Furthermore, the Cabinet deliberated on a regulation, drafted by the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, on resolving industrial disputes.

The regulation covers the guidelines for employees to use to gain the freedom guaranteed by the Constitution, which enables them to stop work and strike in protest.

They decided to publish the regulation in a government Gazette as soon as necessary amendments are made.

The Cabinet on March 30, 2011 also approved the Maldives' participation in the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission.