Burundi suspends tax on imported food itemsBy XINHUA | Tuesday, May 1   2012 at  17:07

The Burundian government will suspend the taxation of imported food items, as part of measures to tackle high living cost, Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza said on Monday ahead of May 1st Labour Day celebrations.

According to his message to the nation on the eve of the International Labour Day, the suspension runs from May 15 to Dec. 31.

"From May 15 up to Dec. 31 this year (2012), importers of food items will be exempted from paying taxes on food products. This initiative of the government will contribute to the reduction of food prices at the market," said President Nkurunziza.

Abandoning taxes on imported food items for six and a half months means "abandoning at least 10 billion Burundi francs (about $725,000)," he added.

The imported food items to be exempted from being taxed include dry cassava, cassava flour, maize grains, maze flour, wheat flour, potatoes, beans, rice, onions, fish, ground nuts and palm oil.

The Burundian president also pledged set up a commission in charge of "controlling and monitoring prices" by July 1, the country's 50th anniversary of independence. (Xinhua)