Another top story in today’s papers is the report that the National Private Business Council (CONEP) submitted its proposals to replace the 10% exchange commission to President Mejia last Monday. CONEP’s proffered strategy suggests that Congress institute a temporary 10% tax on imports, to be lifted on 30 April, 2004. It also recommends the urgent implementation of the tax reform package by 15 December this year. CONEP also asked that the government stop legislative proceedings for the 5% tax on exports, which, coincidentally, was approved last night by the Senate, according to Hoy. CONEP urges an honest indexing of the gasoline tax, as required by the Hydrocarbon Law (112-00). Finally, the business association included a list of voluntary contributions that the hard-currency sectors of the economy would be making. These include RD$3.00 for every dollar exchanged by the free zone industries, RD$1.00 for every dollar (FOB) exported, as well as an 18% service tax on all-inclusive packages within the tourist sector.