Committee passes bill on reducing import duty

The committee of the whole Majlis has passed an amendment to the Import-Export Act, to reduce import duty on motorcycles and garments.

A ‘committee of the whole’ is formed when a legislative body is considered one large committee, for the purpose of discussion and debate of bills and motions.

The bill, submitted on behalf of the government by Jameel Usman, was passed by the committee with 44 votes in favour.

It proposes to reduce import duty on motorcycles from 150 percent to 100 percent, and to remove import duty on garments.

Jameel said that the bill aims to make commodities more affordable, and is part of President Abdulla Yameen’s economic policy.