LAUTOKA Market Vendors Association president Filomena O’Neil is pleading with Government to rethink a proposal to amend the penalties issued to businesses.
Ms O’Neil said the concerns raised by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation that MSMEs would be the most affected by the proposed maximum $500,000 fine and prison term of up to 20 years was valid.
“They must understand that most MSMEs are rural dwellers and this is their main source of income,” said Ms O’Neil.
“If they are faced with a fine like that, it will destroy them.
“This also discourages them from expanding their businesses. Why would people want to go into business if they know that something like this could happen to them?”
She said more discussions should be carried out on the issue with MSME represented in the review process.
Suva Market Vendors Association secretary Ilisapeci Viriki said the penalties should be imposed according to how much each business earns.
“You cant compare the big businesses to the MSMEs,” said Ms Viriki.
Meanwhile, the Suva Chamber of Commerce and Industries says it will sight the proposed legislation before making any public statements. Chamber president Jitesh Patel said he had not seen the document.
“I am aware of the concerns by FCEF, however, I will need to analyse the proposed Bill first before I can say anything,” he said
Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, SMEs and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica who is on an official trip to Australia, said he was aware of the concerns.
“There was a request from a meeting on my return,” said Mr Kamikamica.
“I shall be meeting with FCEF to discuss their concerns.”
According to the Ministry of Trade, the sector contributes more than 18 per cent of the country’s GDP and provides employment for approximately 60 per cent of Fiji’s labour force.
Before COVID-19, there were approximately 29,000 MSMEs registered with the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), contributing almost $380million in taxes.
