The Fiji Export Council (FEC) is holding discussions about the review of the duty suspension scheme for its members.

Consultant Douglas Cruickshank is conducting the review and he says so far consultations have been successful.

“They have asked us to find a way to expand the scheme to draw in smaller businesses so that we can grow our exports here in Fiji. With that in mind we have had consultations with business people using the scheme or who may use the scheme in Nadi, Lautoka today we are here in Suva and next week in the North Island as well.”

The review is supported by the Market Development Facility (MDF) which is the Australians Government’s private sector development program in Fiji.

Cruickshank commended the work of the various stakeholders who have been involved in the process so far.

“The enthusiasm and the knowledge of the business community is pretty impressive and the modernization of the Fiji Revenue & Customs Authority is equally impressive. I think we need to just find a way to simplify the scheme and broaden its applications so that more exporters can take advantage of the incentive program and those who don’t use it yet can do so to grow their export business.”

Consultations will also be held in Savusavu and Labasa.

A position paper on the review will be submitted to the Government by the end of the month.