Local noodle manufacturers will not be impacted by the duty reduction on 1,600 items announced in the National Budget.

Local noodle manufacturers will not be impacted by the duty reduction on 1,600 items announced in the National Budget.

Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has clarified that they have re-looked at the tariff structure, and duty on imported instant noodles remains at 32 percent.

Sayed-Khaiyum says there was a general tariff code line that included noodles, but that’s been taken care of.

“But all the other pasta noodle family-related products have come down to 5 percent. So next time you go to eat chowmein it should be cheaper. The hoteliers need to reduce their prices as far as noodles are concerned.”

The Economy Minister says they have gone through each and every product to make it more relevant.

FMF Foods Limited Managing Director Ram Bajekal believes this is an ideal way to encourage local manufacturers and to provide job security to Fijians.

“Almost 120 workers are dependent on the work that they do in the factory and therefore that many livelihoods, so we are very happy that their jobs are being protected and it’s important that local manufacturers are encouraged and we are very happy that the government has done that.”

Bajekal says the decision will support local noodles which also have a small export market.