As we approach mid-year a prominent businessman believes more shipping companies should be encouraged to provide sea freight services to Vanua Levu.

Car dealer Satish Kumar said with competition it would help reduce sea freight charges and be an economic booster to the North.

“Doing business with countries like Japan, China and Malaysia is good however, cost of sea freight services to the North continue to be a worry. Responsible authorities should consider putting up more shipping and sea freight services to the North so there could be competition.”

Mr Kumar said right now they have to pay whatever price that is put to them as they do not have a choice.

“Expensive sea freight services affect the economic growth in the North. The business people here on a daily basis reconsider on whether to export or import merchandise goods due to the expensive freight services.”

Mr Kumar said that he had to pay a whooping sea freight cost of $7800 for his 40ft container (from abroad) to Fiji.

“And for two 40ft containers being brought in from overseas cost around $15,000.

“This does not include port charges and quarantine.

“Sea freight local crossing just from Suva to Labasa cost $7500 this year compared to $6500 last year.

“The local crossing cost is expensive so that’s why business people who import their goods increase their prices in the North. It’s all chain linked and in the end people have no choice but to spend more on those imported items,” he added.