The National Council of Business (CONEP) is putting conditions on its further participation in the technical group that is studying tax reform, as part of the National Dialogue. Tax reform discussions are being held for the government to develop new funds sources to compensate for customs taxes that will be eliminated with the passing of the DR-CAFTA.
The CONEP complaint is that there are important sectors missing from the discussion table. CONEP president Elena Viyella de Paliza told reporters from Hoy and other newspapers that the PRD has stated that they are not going to recognize the results of the dialogue,
"and that worries us." According to Viyella de Paliza, in order to engage in dialogue, it is necessary for everybody to participate, because if some members are missing it is not possible to arrive at a consensus. The leading businesswoman in the Dominican Republic did say that CONEP’s technical committee was continuing its work on preparing a formal proposal for this afternoon’s meeting of the technical group. Viyella de Paliza also pointed out that there has still not been any discussion of the government’s tax reform, measures, which should ensure an equitable and integrated solution for everyone. According to the CONEP leader these measures would include structural changes in its management techniques, a better control over expenditures and a new rationale for government expenditures, while at the same time strengthening and making more transparent the collection and administration of taxation income.