Revival of municipal tax irks traders

KABUL): Hundreds of trucks laden with commercial goods have been stopped outside Kabul in protest against the revival of municipal taxes, asking the government to reverse its decision, an official said on Saturday.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI) said trucks of vegetables, fruits and construction materials had been stopped in the Pul-i-Charkhi locality over the past two days.

After complaints from the private sector, the High Economic Council (HEC) decided six months ago that importers would pay duties to customs departments instead of municipal taxes to provincial authorities.

On Feb. 25, the Cabinet again re-imposed the municipal tax, sparking widespread protests. The Kabul Municipality was tasked to collect taxes on commercial goods at the four gateways to the capital.  

Subsequently, traders have stopped transportation of goods to the capital as a mark of protest, ACCI deputy head, Khan Jan Alokozai, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

More than 3,000 trucks were parked in Pul-i-Charkhi on the eastern outskirts of the capital, causing serious problems to residents and passengers.  

mm/mud

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