[PEN-L:7289] (Fwd) 2135 ECONOMY: Chaudhry pledges to cut Fiji's food bills

[Bill Rosenberg <w.rosenberg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Some interesting things are happening in Fiji with the election of a
Labour Government. They have reinstated several hundred employees
sacked from the privatised Nadi International Airport, and are facing
down rumblings that threaten to repeat the military coup that
overthrew the last Labour Government there.

Bill Rosenberg

------- Forwarded Message Follows -------
Date:          Thu, 27 May 1999 08:38:59 +1200
From:          Journ12 <robie_d@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject:       2135 ECONOMY:  Chaudhry pledges to cut Fiji's food bills
To:            Pasifik Nius <nius@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Organization:  Journalism, University of the South Pacific

Title -- 2135 ECONOMY:  Chaudhry pledges to cut Fiji's food bills
Date -- 27 May 1999
Byline -- Maika Bolatiki
Origin -- Pasifik Nius
Source-- Fiji Daily Post, 27/5/99
Copyright -- DP
Status -- Abridged
------------------- I'LL CUT FOOD BILLS, SAYS CHAUDHRY

SUVA: Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry promised to reduce Fiji's food
bill yesterday as he revealed plans that would close the economic gap
between the rich and the poor, the Daily Post reports.

And the new premier targets tightening up of tax laws, lowering
interest on housing loans, improving health care and educational
opportunities, removal of VAT and customs duty on essential food
items.

Mr Chaudhry said the removal of VAT and customs duty from essential
food items will cost the government F$30 million in lost revenue.

However, he said government had worked out ways and means of recouping
its losses.

"It will tighten up on taxation and tax collection laws."

This, he said, would "rake in" enough money to offset any shortfall on
government revenue.

The former government had predicted that it would cost government
between $80 million and $100 million in loss revenue.

"As promised in the election campaign, my government will do just
that," Mr Chaudhry said.

He said his government was also looking at:

* Reviewing taxation on savings.

* Raising allowances for dependents.

* Providing social security for the aged and destitute.

* Bringing down interest on housing loans.

He said his government had a new direction in which low income earners
would improve their lifestyle.

+++niuswire

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