Pokhara: The business community here has urged Pokhara Metropolitan City to expand the base of tax rather than its rate. Representatives of the private sector made the recommendation at an interaction organized by Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with Pokhara Metropolitan City on the revenue policy for the upcoming fiscal year.
According to National News Agency Nepal, entrepreneurs have claimed that the number of people doing business informally in Pokhara exceeds those operating in a formal manner, causing registered businesses to suffer. They emphasized the need for a tax and revenue policy that is both citizen and business-friendly.
Chairperson of Pokhara Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gokarna Karki, highlighted the challenges faced by businesses paying taxes due to the existence of unregistered entities. “There is a possibility of unauthorized sale of goods coming from smuggled goods rather than those imported by paying revenue to the customs,” he noted, advocating for a policy that prevents double taxation and promotes business-friendly environments.
Karki also addressed the issue of house tax, which has been a long-standing problem, suggesting that house owners should be responsible for paying this tax. Meanwhile, President of Lekhnath Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Binod Shrestha, emphasized the importance of involving the private sector in revenue policy formulation.
Additional voices from the business community, including Confederation of Nepali Industries Gandaki President Binod Sharma, Pokhara Chamber of Commerce President Umaraj Bastola, and others, echoed the call for a more business-friendly policy approach from the state.
Deputy Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City and Coordinator of Revenue Advisory Committee, Manju Devi Gurung, assured that the legitimate concerns of the private sector would be considered in the policy-making process.