GFSB Organise Leaders debate
01-Dec-2011 GFSB ORGANISE LEADERS DEBATE(Gibraltar Chronicle: Friday 18th November 11)
GFSB has announced it will be hosting the first ever pre-election debate on business-related issues with the leaders of the three main political parties on the policies that will determine Gibraltar’s economic future. This will be followed by a question and answer session open to the floor and then drinks and canapes.
A GFSB spokesman said: “This important event will take place at the Mackintosh Hall theatre on Wednesday November 23rd 2011 at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £15 for members and £25 for non-members.
“Areas covered include Taxation- clarification on certain areas of the new Tax Act and how the Tax department can improve its service to companies. Fixed Business Costs- How increasing levels of fixed costs (rates, administrative burden etc.) are affecting businesses and how these can be addressed
Fostering an Entrepreneurial Culture- Obstacles to setting up a business and the lack of incentives available.
“Office of Fair Trading- The lack of one; can this be introduced to ensure a level playing field is observed by everyone? Tourism- How can our tourist product be maximised? Illegal Labour and Unregistered Business- Companies are (unfairly) having to compete with unregistered businesses and employers. Is enough being done to address this?
“E-Government- Why can we not pay our tax bills online? Why is Gibraltar lagging behind the rest of the EU in terms of the availability of online public services such as the aforementioned. Additionally, the collection of data would provide the government with invaluable information with which to make decisions.
“The Finance Sector & Government supporting services- How can communication between these bodies and SMEs be improved? Can the FSC and government counters ensure a faster turnaround of applications and queries? Can their opening hours reflect those worked in the private sector?
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