The government had announced it, the business community had celebrated. But now it turns out that it is not true that the consular invoice will be eliminated. At least not for now. The consular invoice, which violates agreements under the World Trade Organization, penalizes importers with delays and increases the cost of imports. The consular invoice has normally only served to make consuls rich. Judicial Advisor to the Executive Branch Guido Gomez Mazara had announced the invoice would be eliminated by a presidential decree. Later, the Executive Branch reportedly sent a bill to Congress containing the measure. The bill, though, was retrieved by the Presidency. Jochi Vicente, president of the National Association of Young Businessmen (ANJE) urged the government abolish the invoice. This had been a campaign promise of President Mejia. He also urged the government eliminate the 5% exchange tax, as this also increases the cost of doing business. The exchange tax was instituted by the government of former President Leonel Fernandez as compensation since the government during its final days chose not to increase the price of fuel to leave this decision to the incoming government. With the increase of the price of fuel, the 5% tax is deemed no longer necessary. The continuation of the measures are said to contribute to make this the richest government of recent years. But business sectors say the measures will affect employment levels (as several companies go under), consumer buying power (as prices increase). Overall, the increase in taxes is forcing a slow down of the economy.
