21.   The government had argued that by lowering VAT on oranges and lemons it would cut into the profits of local farmers, whose apples compete with the imported fruit.

22.   Malta is to request more time from the European Union to remove levies on imported fresh fruit, vegetables and dairy products, the government said Friday.

23.   The ministry has also called departments at all Chinese ports to strengthen quarantine checks of imported fruits and goods brought in by passengers.