business sector

Vanuatu Price Control Bureau calls for fair-trading practices

The Bureau, which falls under the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management says it has received complaints from consumers of retail shops, local produce suppliers and transport service providers increasing prices on food items and their services.

“We are currently investigating these complaints,” Bureau said in a statement.

“Businesses should not be using coronavirus situation to take advantage of consumers during this vulnerable time for our nation.

Vanuatu private sector frustrated by govt's insistence on tax reforms

The Vanuatu Daily Post reported the new tax plan, which would see the introduction of income tax and corporate tax, was submitted to the council of ministers on Friday last week.

It said despite widespread opposition to the reforms the plan was submitted virtually unchanged to the Finance Minister Gaetan Pikioune and if passed will come into force in July next year.

The general manager of the Vanuatu Chamber of Commerce Astrid Boulekone says it was disappointing that the government had not taken the views and alternatives proposed by the private sector into consideration.