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Fiij Water Calls New Taxes 'Draconian'

Friday: July 11, 2008

(Fiji Live)

Fiji's internationally known water company, Fiji Water, says the interim government's new taxes on bottled water are "draconian," the on-line news service Fiji Live reports.

The new duties have caused outrage among the country's water bottlers. Many have held off bottling water to protest the taxes.

In a submission to the Finance Ministry, Fiji Water said, “We have invested over $150 million to build a world class production facility in Fiji; provided nearly $8 million in royalties for the government; and have created more than 400 jobs.  Additionally, we spend over $30 million annually on local purchases, payroll and taxes.”

The Fiji Water submission also said that it hopes that Cabinet will “repeal these draconian taxes, and that they will be willing to work in partnership with the industry for the benefit of Fiji and all her residents.”

http://www.fijilive.com/news_new/index.php/news/show_news/6598