The Attorney General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed‑Khaiyum has called on accountants in Fiji to be transparent while doing business and advise their clients to follow proper taxation laws.
Sayed-Khaiyum presented an overview of the Fijian economy and the 2017‑2018 National Budget during the Fiji Institute of Accountants Symposium in Nadi.
He says government and Fiji Revenue Customs and Service will be more stringent on those breaking the law through the implementation of strict penalties as announced in the 2017‑2018 budget.
Sayed-Khaiyum urged accountants that they have a duty to their profession and they should not become unscrupulous.
He says if everybody plays by the rules, we can ensure sustained economic growth.
The CEO of Fiji Revenue and Customs Service Visvanath Das says the strategy for their services is voluntary compliance and prosecution in this financial year.
Das says they are here to facilitate businesses but they also seek compliance.
He says the Fiji Revenue Customs and Service and accountants should behave professionally but when there is fraudulent behavior that is when the relationship becomes poor.
He encouraged the accountants to impose good practice and work closely with the Fiji Institute of Accountants to expose and bring the people to task through naming and shaming them.
