Suki Tax could be considered, industry was worth about $12M in 2012 – Prof. Prasad

We will be looking at having a tax for suki carefully probably in the next budget, and the suki industry was valued at about $12 million in 2012.

This was highlighted by Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad during the State of the Economy Breakfast Talanoa question and answer session when asked if the Government has a plan to have a suki regulation.

Professor Prasad says some subsistence farmers are growing suki and selling it in the local market and there are discussions ongoing on how to bring them in the net or should they bring them in the net.

The Acting Prime Minister says they are mindful of tax increases on things like tobacco and alcohol and it's always considered to be a very good tax for revenue from the point of view of government.

He adds that even if you increase the tax, people will still consume it and therefore it's a good source of government revenue.