Service providers were selling chicken curry for $75 - Koya

Minister for Industry, Trade and Tourism Faiyaz Koya says it is not about blaming the government for making everything expensive through the Service Turnover Tax as he says that some unscrupulous service providers on Denarau are selling a plate of Fijian chicken curry and rice for $75 and Fijian fish meals are served for $75 before tax.

This was highlighted as the Service Turnover Tax Amendment Bill was tabled in parliament today.

Koya says the amendment in the bill seeks to reduce the Service Turnover Tax from 10 to 6 percent and also ensures that the amount of the Service Turnover Tax that is being paid is clearly and separately shown on a tax invoice or receipt issued for the payment of any prescribed service.

Koya says this amendment is something that needs to be done and it is not making Fiji an expensive destination.

NFP parliamentarian Professor Biman Prasad had raised concern that the taxes and levies are making Fiji an expensive tourist destination.

Koya says some unscrupulous traders were already setting very high prices before tax while some service providers were getting tourists to pay Service Turnover Tax more than once.

The Minister went to say that the amendment will allow tourists to be only charged once for an outsourced service provided by a hotel.

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All the consequential bills after the passing of the 2017/2018 National Budget have been passed by parliament.