Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry Hail Budget
Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) has hailed the 2020-2021 national budget as revolutionary, and outsidethe-box-thinking.
President Nur Bano Ali made the comment yesterday at the Fiji’s Economic Recovery Plan post budget discussion in Suva which was hosted by the chamber.
Of the 2020-2021 national budget, Ms Ali said the Government had got it right with sweeping reforms such as the abolishment of stamp duty, removal of business licences, reduction of Environment and Climate Adaptation Levy (ECAL), and lots of tax reforms - all of which make life so much easier for business.
“If business recovers, employment gets back, then the economy recovers.
“That’s how it works, for anybody who still doesn’t know.” Ms Ali said removal of duty would enable individuals to access more goods, for businesses and individuals alike. She hailed the Economy ministry for a bold and impressive set of sweeping changes to create a conducive environment, required for business and economic recovery, as well as jobs.
Tourism
Meanwhile, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said digitalisation process was important and would be maintained.
He said $60 million was provided to Fiji Airways. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said any resort that wanted to team up with Fiji Airways for package deals, needed to reduce their hotel rates by at least 45 per cent.
“People pay now, they can travel later,” he said.
“From Government side, we will pay $400 per tourist, under the package for the first 150,000 tourists.
“We of course will pay the rebate.”
frederica.elbourne@ fijisun.com.fj