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– urges for cheaper alternative energy,Taylor Lewan Michigan Jersey, eventual VAT reductionThe Private Sector Commission (PSC) has congratulated Finance Minister Winston Jordan, and the new coalition government on the presentation, in a relatively short space of time,Memphis Tigers Jerseys, of a comprehensive National Budget which highlights the vision of the new administration.According to the business advocacy body, it is pleased that many of its proposals to the government for measures which would provide a stimulus to the economy and boost investment have been incorporated.“The PSC believes that the allocations to the sugar and rice industry will allow those industries to regroup and recover so that they can make significant contributions to the economy.”Some $23B has been set aside to pay rice farmers following disclosures that the PetroCaribe Fund was empty. In addition to the $3.2B already injected to GuySuCo, an additional $8.2B has been earmarked this year for the industry.The PSC also noted that the assistance to small and medium scale miners will also allow the industry,Jarrett Lee LSU Jersey, which has produced the bulk of the country’s exports, to adjust to the new reality of lower gold prices. Government has announced a raft of measures in waivers on fuel and key supplies for miners.“The PSC welcomes the allocation of funds for roads, bridges,Marquette Golden Eagles Jerseys, air and river transport and particularly the rehabilitation of hinterland airstrips. This will undoubtedly boost the integration of hinterland communities into the economic life of the coastland. The PSC is also particularly pleased about the allocation of financing for the dredging of the Demerara harbour, the siltation of which has for years led to increased shipping costs and therefore impacted the competitiveness of our exports and the final prices of imports.”With regards to the ease of doing business,Magic Johnson Michigan State Jersey, the body said it is heartened at the Minister’s plans to remove the red tape which stymies business activities. It urged the Minister to ensure that there is greater inter-agency coordination to facilitate the necessary operations of business.“The Commission also welcomes the salary and wage increases for the public service and especially the significant increase in old age pensions. These will undoubtedly provide welcome relief to a large component of the citizenry. The removal of taxes on NIS contributions is also welcomed.”However, the business body, which includes banks and manufacturers as its members,Odell Beckham LSU Jersey, said it is disappointed at the decision to discontinue the Amaila Falls Hydroelectricity Project. It urged the government to seek alternate renewable energy sources as the high cost of energy continues to be a stumbling block in the production of value-added goods and the growth of the manufacturing sector.“The Commission also notes the decision to lower tolls for the Berbice River Bridge and hopes that this was done within the terms of the Public-Private Partnership agreement.”With regards to the zero rating of VAT on a slew of goods,Anthony Jennings LSU Jersey, PSC believed that this was an acceptable method of providing relief to consumers without the necessity of lowering the VAT rate which would have significant effects upon revenue generation.“The Commission,China Jerseys Authentic, though it had proposed a number of priority areas for reform of the taxation system,Willis McGahee Miami Jersey, is satisfied that this could not have been comprehensively attempted in an interim budget and will await the release of the results of the Tax Committee’s deliberations.” |
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