Albania Needs a Competitive Tax Package, Crawford Says

TIRANA, November 2

President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania (AmCham) Mark Crawford called on the government to take two steps that would improve the business climate. They consist on a tax package competitive for the region and a solution to the property issue. Crawford said in an interview for the Albania Telegraphic Agency that Albania needs to find a solution to property problems in order to improve the conditions of doing business.
He suggested examples like Macedonia, which has drafted a map of land owners. Meanwhile, regarding a competitive tax package, he stressed that according to the Ease of Doing Business Report 2017, Albania ranks last in the region. Thus a new package that can compete with the countries of the region is necessary.
“We’ve said that we are going to compete with our neighbors. But if we refer to Doing Business report, we are last in the region. This is the reason why a tax package that puts Albanian businesses in the same positions with the countries of the region,” Crawford said.
Moreover, he stated that the reform in the tax system cannot be achieved through fines and violence. On the other hand, it is necessary to create a positive environment that helps entrepreneurship.
According to him, tax inspectors give hefty fines and penalties by frightening enterprises. On his part, the chair of AmCham says that companies must pay fines in proportion to their violations.
Further on, he said that the changes to the law on tax procedures is a positive step as companies lose precious time in courts when they want to oppose a decision or fine given by tax inspectors. This is one of the reasons why investors in many cases left Albania.

News Source: ATA

Photo Credit: AmCham