Budget maintains consistent fiscal framework - CCC
The 2012 Budget maintains the consistent fiscal framework announced
two years ago since the end of the war in 2009. The fiscal deficit is
targeted to be reduced to 6.2% of GDP in alignment with the medium term
projections. The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) is pleased to note
that the tax reforms announced in the last budget has been upheld in
this budget with additional incentives to promote investments and a few
further simplifications to the tax structure.
The Ceylon Chamber considers the move to depreciate the Sri Lankan
Rupee as a signal on moving towards a flexible and a more competitive
exchange rate regime as the Chamber strongly believes that a competitive
exchange rate is vital for the development of the export sector which
would bear on Sri Lanka achieving the investments (domestic and foreign)
and growth targets set out in the Mahinda Chinthana policy document of
the government.
The Budget’ focus on addressing the needy segments of the population,
the rural economy/agriculture sector and the Small and Medium
Enterprises will facilitate in uplifting the rural economy and the
less-privileged people and support in development while enhancing
efficiency of value chains.
In the Budget, the government has announced several infrastructure
projects to be implemented in the next few years and the Chamber members
look forward to partner with the government in clearly spelt out
partnership models. With regard to the plantation lands which have been
identified as lands that are not used productively and which are to be
reallocated, the Ceylon Chamber proposes that any measure to reallocate
lands should be taken in consultation with the Regional Plantation
Companies, being mindful of the plantation management aspects.
The Chamber welcomes the many incentives for the private sector
investments to new as well as existing enterprises and it is hopeful
that the government will take further steps to improve the investment
climate which is essential for the full use of the incentives offered.
The Chamber looks forward to working closely with the government
towards assisting in the implementation of the proposals.
The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce is an effective spokesman of the Sri
Lankan business sector. Founded in 1839, the institution has been the
focal point for business contacts both locally and abroad for more than
172 years. It has many specialized committees, affiliated associations
and 21 bilateral business councils promoting international business. Its
members serve on various institutions and committees set up by the
government and the private sector.
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