The Listín Diario reported that businessmen and government are in favor of restructuring the tax system to lower import duties to the levels of Central America. The DR is about to sign a free trade agreement with Central America nations where imports pay much less. The businessmen fear that if the tariffs are not reduced, the DR will end up exporting taxes which affects the competitiveness of national exports. The restructuring of the tax system has not been passed by Congress. Congress is in forced recess since congressmen have given priority to political campaigning. Several seek to be re-elected in Congress or elected to municipal posts in the 16 May election. Businessmen and the Minister of Industry and Commerce Luis Manuel Bonetti made their comments during the American Chamber of Commerce luncheon that commemorates that organization’s 75th year.
