Women entrepreneurs on Thursday sought tax incentives for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), upward adjustment of tax-free ceiling and flexible attitude to encourage their participation in trade fairs.
The leaders of the Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI) and the Women Entrepreneurs Development Network (WEND) made these proposals during a pre-budget meeting at the revenue board.
The Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) and the Bangladesh-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BICCI), and the Anti-Tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA) also attended the meeting.
National Board of Revenue (NBR) chairman Abu Hena Md Rahmatul Muneem presided over the programme.
BCCCI leaders demanded tax benefits for electric vehicles and encouraging local vehicle assembly industry by widening gap between CBU and CKD.
BICCI leaders have demanded smooth import of goods through river routes via Narayanganj and simplifying customs procedures to make Pangaon port attractive.
Meanwhile, the ATMA demanded an effective hike in tobacco products' prices and taxes to help the government tackle the fiscal shortfall and simultaneously safeguard public health.
ATMA members said the government could raise a staggering Tk 94 billion in additional revenue by implementing the proposed tax structure.
The NBR chairman said the government would try to increase the prices (MRP) of tobacco products in the upcoming budget for fiscal year 2024-25.
"We're also considering the replacement of the current ad valorem tobacco tax structure with a specific tax system."
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
