IMF: Effect of the COVID-19 Crisis on Lower Income Developed Countries
An IMF blog post, dated 27 August 2020, notes that the low income developing countries (LIDCs) are in a difficult position to combat the COVID-19 crisis. They have already been hard hit by external shocks and the lockdown measures are causing their
See MoreIMF: Aging Economies May Benefit Less from Fiscal Stimulus
An IMF blog posted to its website on 7 August 2020 suggests that economies with a higher proportion of older people may gain less momentum from a fiscal stimulus compared to countries with a younger demographic. The blog is based on research from
See MoreIMF Report Discusses Australia’s Economic Situation
On 4 March 2020 the IMF published a report following the conclusion of discussions with Australia under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. Economic growth recovered gradually in 2019 with a contribution from net exports. Growth is
See MoreTaiwan: MOF approves regulation on repatriation of offshore funds
On 15 August 2019, Taiwan's Ministry of Finance (MOF) has approved regulations on repatriation, use and taxation of offshore installations in order to guide China's personal and for profit business funds to return to Taiwan to invest in physical
See MoreOman introduces tax incentives for tourism investments
Recently, Oman has introduced a tax incentive for every new investor looking to build a tourism project in Musandam. According to the new regulation, investors are exempted from customs duties for building materials, tools and equipment
See MorePuerto Rico proposes tax incentives for qualifying Opportunity Zones
On 14 May 2019, Governor of Puerto Rico signed the Senate Bill 1147 (the Opportunity Zones Development Act), offering tax incentives for investments in qualifying Opportunity Zones. The act permits the investors following benefits: The new act
See MoreSingapore presents Budget for 2019
On 18 February 2019, the Finance Minister of Singapore delivered the Budget for 2019. The main tax-related measures are summarized below: To maintain support to companies in their automation, productivity and scale-up efforts, the 100%
See MoreTurkey: Decree publishes that amends investment incentive rules
The Government has published Decree No. 2018/11297 on February 22, 2018, in the Official Gazette. It has already come into force on the similar day. This decree changes the provincial or regional incentives rules. With the help of this amendment,
See MoreThailand launches SMART visa to enhance Thai industries
By mid-January 2018, the Government of Thailand will launch a “Smart Visa” scheme which grants 4 years permission to investors and highly skilled professionals working within 10 specialized fields. The Smart Visa targets foreign entrepreneurs,
See MoreWTO and ICC: Participation by small business in international trade
An initiative launched by the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) encourages companies and private sector organizations to suggest innovative ideas to promote cross-border trade by micro, small and medium
See MoreOECD: Report on small businesses in Canada
On 29 July 2017 the OECD published a report entitled SME and Entrepreneurship Policy in Canada. The report looks at entrepreneurship activity, business structures, federal programmes, productivity and innovation among small and medium enterprises
See MoreCanada: New tax proposal increases uncertainty for SMEs
A new federal tax proposal was announced on 18th of July 2017 by the Finance Minister and it could have a chance of uncertain consequences for small businesses and enterprises (SMEs). The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) has
See MoreWTO: Measures to facilitate cross-border trade for MSMEs
On 29 June 2017 the WTO’s Director General spoke during an informal dialogue on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These entities face greater barriers to cross-border trading and WTO members have put forward some ideas to deal with the
See MoreVietnam: National Assembly passes law on supporting SMEs
On 12 June, the National Assembly passed the Law on the support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The measure will help to improve the quality of growth and change the nation's economic growth model. Under the new law, SMEs include
See MorePakistan: Publishes guidelines for facilitating foreign investors
On 1 April 2017, Pakistan Government has issued guidelines to the administrative heads of divisions, attached departments and autonomous bodies to facilitate domestic and foreign investment and the setting up of and running businesses in
See MoreIsrael: Tax incentives on capital investment in hi-tech industry introduced
An amendment to the Law for the Encouragement of Capital Investments has been published by Israel on 29th December 2016, which was part of the changes made in the framework of the 2017-2018 Law on Economic Arrangements. Corporate income tax (CIT)
See MoreIndia: Approves amendment in modified special incentive package Scheme
On 18 January 2017, the Indian Union Cabinet has given its approval for amendment in the Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS) to further incentivize investments in Electronic Sector and moving towards the goal of ‘Net Zero imports’
See MorePakistan: Introduces an incentive scheme for industrial and trade sectors under no question on source of investment
The government has agreed on a new incentive scheme for industrial and trade sectors under which tax authorities will not question the source of investment, industry sources said on 22 January 2017. Sources in Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also
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