PARAMARIBO — Kamlesh Ganesh, director of the Association of Surinamese Business (VSB), has endorsed the need for modernization and professionalization of the tax administration, but emphasizes that these reforms must be accompanied by legal certainty, transparency, clear divisions of powers and practically enforceable tax procedures. On behalf of the VSB, he participated in a meeting of the committee of rapporteurs of the National Assembly (DNA) on the draft Tax Authorities Act of Suriname and the Implementation Act of the General Tax Act.
Ganesh, who highlighted the principle concerns of the business community during the meeting on the proposed reform of tax administration and the transition to a new tax authority, drew special attention to the proposed organizational structure, the involvement of the business community in the supervision of the new tax authority, the financing model and the possible consequences of the new legal provisions for enterprises. He emphasized that modern tax administration should not only focus on effective tax collection, but also on service delivery, predictability and adequate legal protection of taxpayers.
In addition, the importance of legally consistent legislation was pointed out, removing ambiguities and contradictions in the proposed provisions before final adoption. The VSB will therefore submit its further legal and implementation findings, including concrete recommendations, in writing to the committee of rapporteurs. It is emphasized that the association will continue to actively promote “an efficient, transparent and balanced tax system” that contributes to a healthy business and investment climate in Suriname.
The Tax Authorities, trade unions and legal experts were also represented during the meeting with the committee of rapporteurs.
