THERE has been increase in fish production and creation of employment opportunities after Government introduced a new fish levy policy that is now paying dividends with stakeholders in the fishieries industry.
Fiji Fish managing director Grahame Southwick, said Fiji Fish managed to handle fish of more than 12 new boats which had until recently, exported their fish directly.
“We have also employed an additional 40 or so factory workers to cater for the increased unloadings and we and other local processors are being visited now on a daily basis by new boat owners who are hoping to engage us in unloading and processing contracts,” Mr Southwick said.
“Other processors within the local fishing industry group have experienced similar boosts in production.
“So far, there has been no sign of anyone wanting to depart Fiji as a result of the levy. In fact, some of our new boat owners have expressed their delight in the fact that they can now settle down, do fast turnarounds and not be shunted around by agents and middle-men.”
Government’s fish levy policy is part of government’s efforts to promote the fisheries industry by encouraging value adding.
The Government imposed a levy of $350 per tonne on fish brought in for trans-shipment purposes.
All fish caught in high seas for export will be exempt from VAT and fiscal duty. Those sold in the domestic market will pay the applicable VAT and fiscal duty and to ensure transparency, registered processors will need to declare the volume of fish for local consumption and exports.
In addition, companies contracted to supply fish to businesses based in Fiji for the production and export of fish loin from Fiji will be exempted from VAT and fiscal duty.