Duty on imported food and vegetables will be reduced from 5% to zero percent effective from tonight.

These include plum, carrots, baked beans, mixed vegetables and broccoli to name a few.

Economy Minister Aiayz Sayed-Khaiyum says this will encourage healthier living.

Meanwhile excise duty on imported carbonated drinks and sweets will be increased to thirty-two percent.

Sayed-Khaiyum says by fostering competition prices of goods like diapers, hygiene products, energy bars, baked beans, chicken wings, cheese, and washing powder have reduced.