The much-debated 5% surcharge on exports is still alive and well, according to Rafael Calderon, the Minister of Finance. According to Daniel Garcia from El Caribe, various sectors of the economy had not yet recovered from the 5.25% hike in the exchange commission when the Calderon announced that the 5% surcharge on exports would this week enter into effect. The industrial free zones will be asked to give the government money in other ways. According to Calderon, the government and the export sector arrived at an agreement last Friday. Horacio Alvarez, the head of the Dominican Association of Exporters, told reporters that his group, while willing to fulfill their obligations to the state, is not willing to pay 5% or any lesser sum up front, as this would siphon working capital from many businesses. He told the press that the exporters had already paid RD$95 million in taxes during August and September. Members of the exporters’ associations and the Finance Ministry’s economic team will meet today to hone the agreements. This voluntary agreement ignores the fact that the Supreme Court declared the 5% surcharge