The government is looking into the possibility of increasing the ITBIS (value-added tax) rate, according to a report in Diario Libre. Presidential Technical Secretary Carlos Despradel told interviewers yesterday on the TeleAntillas morning news magazine “Uno + Uno” that certain products could be subject to an increased levy, although he excluded the possibility that it might include medicines and other essential items. Despradel was speaking about the necessary fiscal reform measures the government is considering to comply with the requirements set by the International Monetary Fund. The authorities must raise an additional RD$35 billion in order to bridge the country’s quasi-fiscal deficit.