Times Of Swaziland: BUSINESS ESWATINI ADVOCATES FOR FAIR AND EQUITABLE TAX REGULATIONS BUSINESS ESWATINI ADVOCATES FOR FAIR AND EQUITABLE TAX REGULATIONS ================================================================================ Nhlanganiso Mkhonta on 12/04/2024 07:27:00 MBABANE – The fourth focus area for Business Eswtini in the call for economic transformation is advocating for fair and equitable tax regulations and administration. BE Vice President: Trade and Commerce Muzi Siyaya stated that as BE they were advocating for tax policies that were fair, transparent and equitable. He said this system that supports business growth while ensuring a fair contribution to the nation’s development. He mentioned that as BE they appreciated the government for reducing Corporate Tax from 27 to 25 per cent as such would relief the burden from businesses. The fifth focus for BE is on efficient public procurement system with the timely payment of suppliers. Siyaya said Business Eswatini acknowledges the strides taken by the Ministry of Finance in reducing government arrears, particularly to the private sector. He stated that their feedback from members was that there were still ways to go to completely clear those arrears, but also emphasis should be on efforts to improve the efficiency of the public procurement system coupled with prompt payments to suppliers to ensure the sustainability of businesses and the supply chain. Siyaya said their high-level suggestions include: enhancing transparency, strengthening the regulatory framework, adopting e-government procurement systems, improving accountability and promoting competition and inclusion. He said these recommendations aligned with the objectives of the Eswatini Public Procurement Regulatory Agency (ESPPRA) to deliver a public procurement system that accelerates economic growth through best practices and innovative solutions.