Chamber of Commerce pitches economic stimulus measures

“We have proposed promoting tourism by establishing downtown VAT refund centres and ask that the government consider renovating historic hotels and apartments for tourists,” Kalin said.
“We suggested integrating the private sector’s database with the government’s National Single Window system to facilitate entrepreneurs in dealing with import-export and customs procedures.”
The chamber recommends prompt passage of the Land and Building Tax Act and so it can come into effect by January 1, which would also require a public awareness campaign.
It asks that merchant navy entrepreneurs be supported and that Laem Chabang Port be promoted as a gateway to Southeast Asia, using the Bt18-billion budget already approved by the Cabinet.
The chamber wants financial aid to fight corruption in state procurements as part of a joint campaign by the Comptroller General’s Department and business entrepreneurs.
It advises that pending problems related to corporate tax collection and overlapping procedures be resolved by a joint public-private taskforce.
“The final measure we proposed is longer operating hours for border checkpoints to promote cross-border trade,” said Kalin.
“The minister said he would pass the proposals on to the relevant agencies and monitor progress closely.”