State to reduce duty, VAT on digital equipment

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Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum while delivering the 2021-2022 National Budget. Picture: PARLIAMENT OF FIJI/SUPPLIED

Government will reduce duties and VAT on digital equipment to help people work and study safely from home as much as possible.

Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said this during the 2021-2022 National Budget address in Parliament last night.

He said the reductions would be on digital equipment needed for conferencing, collaboration and distance learning, which would be imported at a rate of free fiscal, free import excise and 9 per cent VAT.

“Currently, telecommunication equipment attracts 5 per cent fiscal, free import excise and 9 per cent VAT,” the A-G said.

“However, telecommunication companies normally apply for duty-free importation under Section 10 of the Customs Tariff Act.”

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said duties would now be free for all audiovisual equipment, including microphones, headphones, loudspeakers, amplifiers, television cameras, digital cameras, video recorders, radio cassettes and radio receivers.

He also said to make sure Fijians in the North had the ability to connect to fast internet speeds, Government was pressing ahead with the Northern connectivity project.

“This initiative focuses on 40 schools and health centres in the Northern Division and is on track to be completed by December this year.

“This project will bring reliable access to power, internet and ICT equipment to at least 20,000 Fijians in close proximity to these 40 sites, as well as other emergency portable satellite-based solutions for the deployment of appropriate assistance in times of disasters.”

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