Natural Waters of Viti Limited has put a proposal to the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority to settle their dispute over taxes on its exports through an independent arbitrator.

In a statement, Natural Waters confirms it has suggested all along that the matter be referred to binding arbitration to ensure a speedy and fair resolution to the current impasse.

It said they have raised this alternative repeatedly with members of the interim government, but to date have not received any response to their offer.

The Company maintains the advice received from world class economists Baker McKenzie is that their transfer pricing structures are fair and accurate for Fiji.

Meanwhile, the American Embassy in Suva said in a statement that it has noted that Fiji Water has offered to submit the dispute to binding arbitration in which the two parties would agree on a reputable, neutral arbitrator to independently consider all facts and make a final decision.

US Ambassador to Fiji Larry Dinger said the US hopes FIRCA will seriously consider Fiji Waters proposal or any other sensible suggestion to achieve a rapid, equitable resolution.

FIRCA CEO Jitoko Tikolevu is currently in a meeting and is expected to comment later today.