Timber traders decry overtaxation
What you need to know:
- They told Natural Resources and Tourism deputy minister Japhet Hasunga during a meeting on Friday, January 12, that 32 taxes had been imposed on forest products.
Timber dealers have decried overtaxation, saying it has led to a loss in competitiveness internationally.
They told Natural Resources and Tourism deputy minister Japhet Hasunga during a meeting on Friday, January 12, that 32 taxes had been imposed on forest products.
They said those taxes were “too many and unpayable”.
Mr Hasunga met with the timber dealers to discuss their challenges.
Mufindi Environmental Trust executive chairman Godfrey Mosha said as taxes were excessive taxes, the Tanzanian timber traders were unable to compete with Chilean and Finnish rivals.
"Currently, we cannot do business internationally although our forest products of high quality."
The chairman of the Federation of Timber Stakeholders, Mr Ben Sulus, urged the government to scrap some taxes.
Mr Hasunga assured the dealers of his office's commitment to address their challenges.
He also urged them to plant trees.
