1 Feb 2018

Niue govt delays new import regime

7:04 am on 1 February 2018

The premier of Niue has agreed to delay the introduction of a new regime for businesses importing goods by ship.

Niue Premier Sir Toke Talagi, speaking at the official opening ceremony of the island's 5th Arts and Cultural Festival 2017

Niue Premier Sir Toke Talagi, speaking at the official opening ceremony of the island's 5th Arts and Cultural Festival 2017 Photo: RNZI Indira Stewart

The Chamber of Commerce had asked that higher charges not apply when the island is visited by a Matson's freighter this week.

Businesses also wanted a re-think on the scrapping of credit to pay the import duties - they had earlier been notified that the charges would have be paid prior to pick up.

Now Premier Sir Toke Talagi, communicating via Facebook, said the new prices won't apply until April and the government would work with proven payers on a scheme of limited credit.

A beach on Niue

A beach on Niue Photo: RNZI

Sir Toke said the government had brought in the change because some businesses just failed to pay.

He also said there was plenty of money floating about and the biggest beneficiaries were the private sector.

The premier said there is a lot of scope for new business ideas and options to be taken up.

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