Economy
Government-Parliament: Refoundation Economic Priorities Highlighted
Government-Parliament meeting concluded yesterday at Tsimbazaza. The meeting between the Government and Parliament ended yesterday after two days of exchanges marked by numerous parliamentary questions. For the Government, the priorities of the Refoundation are beginning to translate into action. Following questions raised Thursday by elected officials, Government members provided their responses, each within their area of competence. For the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Minister Dr Ramiarison Herinjatovo Aimé highlighted the Refoundation's priorities, emphasizing strategic directions aimed at supporting economic growth and improving living conditions for the population. In his responses, the minister notably stressed the importance of rehabilitating economic infrastructure. According to the explanations provided, this direction aims to improve the business environment and create conditions necessary for reviving productive activities. Infrastructure is indeed an essential lever for facilitating trade, reducing costs borne by operators, and strengthening territorial attractiveness. The fiscal component also occupied an important place in the exchanges. The minister discussed the continuation of overall tax system reform. Among the measures cited is the elimination of VAT on bank loans, a provision intended to facilitate access to financing. There was also discussion of implementing a tax on secondhand clothing, with the objective of encouraging greater consumption of Malagasy products and supporting local production. Regarding local taxation, the minister provided clarifications on Land Property Tax and Built Property Tax. IFT and IFPB should be transferred to municipalities, rather than centralized at the tax administration level. This direction aims to strengthen municipalities' own resources and improve their capacity for local intervention. Also responding to concerns regarding administrative infrastructure, the minister mentioned projects concerning Manakara Be and Antanimora Sud, particularly the construction of main tax collection buildings. Efforts have already been undertaken this year, with the objective of continuing and, as much as possible, completing the work next year. Concerning receipts and cattle registers, the minister recalled the existence of the National Printing House in the six provincial capitals. Efforts are underway to further extend the availability of these documents in the regions, according to the minister. In short, the Government intends to continue implementing its commitments while maintaining dialogue with representatives of the population.
Source: Midi Madagasikara