Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fiji budget cuts military allocation, favours education

Posted at 23:18 on 27 November, 2009 UTC

The Fiji interim government has tabled its 2010 budget which is being described as business friendly and aimed at helping the poor.

The education sector will get the biggest allocation.

The police will have a budget increase while the military will see a cut.

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The budget, which expects a deficit of 115 million US dollars, provides for changes to boost tourism which has been a key revenue earner.

From February, departing tourists will get a refund of the 12.5 percent value added on purchases above 260 US dollars.

The interim finance minister, Commodore Frank Bainimarama, has also announced that the shopping and liquor trading hours will be extended in some centres of Fiji.

He has also announced a monthly Food Voucher programme for those who register under a new assistance programme.