ACC calls for reducing sales tax, customs fees, energy prices

AMMAN — The Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) on Tuesday called for reducing sales tax, energy prices and customs tariffs, citing the move's expected contribution to stimulating the economy. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the ACC said that the country needs a national economic reform programme that meets and interprets the visions, aspirations and directions of His Majesty King Abdullah.

The chamber also urged banks to reduce interest rates so that economic sectors can secure the necessary funding to expand their businesses and create job opportunities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The ACC further noted that any sales tax reduction “must be considerable” and apply to services, food items, medication, child needs and schooling, according to Petra.  

Calling for reducing the customs fees, the chamber stressed the need for more strict laws and regulations to combat smuggling. 

The chamber also pushed for the revisiting of the Landlords and Tenants Law to achieve more justice for both parties, as well as other laws related to the economy, listing them on the agenda of the Parliament's current ordinary session.  

Acknowledging the recently announced economy-stimulating measures by the government, the ACC called for more "bold and immediate" decisions, citing the current recession and decline in the local market.