(de Ware Tijd) – The government is currently conducting studies that should ultimately lead to the cutting of import tariffs for basic goods to zero. In the case of some products, such as split peas and kidney beans, the government can make the decision independently, but for other goods such as potatoes and onions, permission should be asked from the CARICOM, for example. Minister Michael Miskin of Trade and Industry (HI) says this in an interview with DWT. It is still unclear how much revenue the government will lose. “We are working on cutting the import tariffs for al basic goods to zero. The ECD (Economic Controls Department) will then verify whether the consumer will actually benefit”, Miskin says. This plan fits in the framework of alleviating measures the government is also taking as part of its Structural Improvement Program.
