Motor vehicles and household appliances top the list of items for which demand has fallen steeply when compared to last
\nyear. Importers believe that with the latest increase in the exchange rate commission on imports, this situation is only
\nlikely to worsen. “The general situation in the country has meant that sales are very slow. In many cases, prices have
\ngone up to levels that the Dominican consumer cannot afford. Just when we thought there was going to be a truce, we are
\nfaced with the increase in exchange commission,” said the importers’ association president, Andres Dauhajre Sr and
\npredicted further price hikes of 7-10% on consumer items. The three main factors making life difficult for importers are
\nthe unstable dollar-peso exchange rate, the dismal power-supply situation, and the “unfavorable political climate” for
\nbusiness, according to Dauhajre, who is also the president of UNE, the national business union. He believes that the
\ngovernment should concentrate taxation in three or four main areas, instead of what he described as “hundreds of atomized
\ntaxes that only serve to decelerate the process, cause inefficiency and increase public-sector bureaucracy.” Dauhajre
\nacknowledged that the country was going through difficult times and that the business community had to play a part in
\nhelping alleviate the situation, but he called on the government to set an example by cutting down its own public spending.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Motor vehicles and household appliances top the list of items for which demand has fallen steeply when compared to last year. Importers believe that with the latest increase in the exchange rate commission on imports, this situation is only likely to worsen. “The general situation in the country has meant that sales are very slow. … <\/p>\n