Government has bowed down to public pressure on the newly introduced fixed duty on imported vehicles and has since called for an interface meeting with the second hand motor vehicle traders.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Sosten Gwengwe will preside over the meeting with the traders on Friday at Capital Hill in Lilongwe.

A letter dated July 5, 2023 and signed by Secretary to the Treasury, MacDonald Mwale, says the objective of the meeting is to get the traders views on the newly introduced system of clearing second hand vehicles with the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA).

The meeting comes a day after Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) gave government a seven-day ultimatum to rescind its decision or face unspecified action.

In an interview, HRDC chairperson expressed happiness with government’s swift action on the matter but said his expectation is that other key players will also be invited for the engagement before a final determination is made.

Source:NPL