Serious concerns are being raised on the negative impacts from the commercial electricity tariffs on the manufacturing sector and their ability to compete in the export market.
Fiji's leading manufacturer, Flour Mills of Fiji Chairman Hari Punja, who is also heading the Fiji Manufacturers Association said the FEA and Commerce Commission has made some serious mistakes in comparing the local commercial tariff rates with those from around the region.
According to Punja, local exporters no longer have a competitive advantage as they have to compete with exporters from Indonesia, Malaysia and others within the region.
Punja also revealed that since the last tariff adjustment by the Commerce Commission, FMF=s electricity bill increased from $2 million to $3 million per year.
He said this hinders the ability of local manufacturers to expand operations, create more employment and help increase exports.
Punja said their request to the FEA and Commerce Commission to reduce rates for exporting companies has been rejected.
Story by: Roneel Lal
Local manufacturers raise issue with new tarrifs
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