Fiji Businessman Call to Waive 3PC Import Duty on Raw Materials

A Labasa businessman has called on the authorities to waive the three per cent duty on imported raw materials to boost business operations in the North.

This was highlighted by the consultant for Pinto Industries Limited, Chris Naidu at the day-long seminar on investment opportunities and investor support held at Hotel Takia conference room in Labasa September 7, 2011.

"We want to make a submission for the existing manufacturing companies that the three per cent duty on all imported raw materials be waived," Mr Naidu said.

"This is to compensate the huge freight costs we incur for bringing in raw materials in containers from Suva and then freight out 80 per cent of finished goods to Viti Levu.

"We spend almost $300,000 on freight each year and the duty exemption we are requesting will only amount to approximately $30,000 to $40,000 per annum.

"We feel the existing local industries are not protected from the foreign investors," Mr Naidu said.

Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority official, Kelera Volavola said there was a list of reserved investment to protect local investors.

Ms Volavola further advised businessmen to submit their concerns to the Budget Forum for any changes in the Government Policy.

"We have taken down the concerns and these will be topics of discussion however we would like to advice you to make submissions to the Government if you consider the need for further protection," she said.