Budget 2018, chairman of commission raises concerns about high level of unpaid customs duties

Budget 2018, chairman of commission raises concerns about high level of unpaid

Debates took place today at the meeting of the Commission of Economics and Finance regarding the level of debt owing to the government arising from customs duties. The Chairman of the Commission of Economics, Erjon Braçe said that largest custom debt of 24.5 billion lek comes from the companies operating in the oil sector. Meanwhile the opposition argued that increasing the taxes has not increased revenues, instead it has only helped to increase the level of informality. 

Jorida Tabaku said that the increase in excise, as well as the increase of income tax has actually brought on a decrease in revenue for the government. 6 major companies, which operate in the oil sector, are responsible for over half the unpaid customs duties in the country. 

The concern was expressed by the Chairman of the Commission of Economics, Erjon Braçe during the discussion on revenue for the budget of 2018. The SMI MP said that drug cultivation has negatively affected the growth of the economy. 

There are concerns that the country is at risk of being unable to raise the expected revenue for the budget of 2018. It seems the value of 1.5 billion lek will not be reached, due to the increase of the oil price, fluctuations in exchange rates and also the increase in excise.

EMISIONET