22 Jun 2006

Abolish all monopolies in Fiji, says Fiji Labour party leader

9:59 am on 22 June 2006

The Fiji Labour Party leader, Mahendra Chaudhry, has accused the multi-party government of supporting cartels and monopolies.

Mr Chaudhry has told parliament that the government must use the powers vested in the Commerce Commission to discourage such developments.

He says the retail sector in Fiji is gradually being brought under the control of a small group of powerful corporate organisations which will be able to fix prices and restrict choices.

Mr Chaudhry was referring to Vodafone Fiji's monopoly in the telecommunications sector, after taking the government to court to prevent it issuing another mobile phone licence.

He says Labour wants all monopolies to be dismantled because they are detrimental to consumers.