The government will implement strict policies in the next budget, as they cannot allow people to suffer while continuing to protect industries that fail to improve efficiency and increase production to keep prices at a reasonable level.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, issued this clear warning while responding to questions on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan about the cost of living and unscrupulous businesses that enjoy heavy government protection but do not pass on the benefits to the people of Fiji.
Professor Prasad says if a high duty is charged, they expect those industries that are protected to raise production in the country.
He says that for example, the government is giving 42 percent duty protection to chicken producers and they want to support them to grow the industry.
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The Deputy Prime Minister says they expect them to produce all the chicken that the country needs.
He says it is unacceptable that they are not investing in factories and farms, increasing chicken production, and meeting demand, while instead using the shortage to raise prices—especially when the government cannot allow others to import due to quantitative restrictions.
You can watch the full Straight Talk interview on our website or listen to it on our Spotify channel - fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan.
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