Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has called on the government to issue a permanent account number (PAN) along with a citizenship certificate in a bid to widen the tax net.
A delegation of NCC Tuesday met the newly appointed Ministry of Finance Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat and suggested that tax net should be widened rather than raising rates. “To achieve this, PAN should be issued along with a citizenship certificate,” the delegation told the finance minister.
Issuing a statement, NCC said its president Rajendra Malla urged the finance minister to control illegal trade in bordering areas and bring them under the tax net. Similarly, he urged the minister to strictly make the issuance of bills mandatory in markets.
Responding to the delegation, Dr Mahat said the government was closely watching the country’s economic situation. He also said that the government was doing necessary facilitation for the successful implementation of the budget and monetary policy. “The economy is yet to be vibrant. I have discussed the matter with the Governor as well as secretaries of other relevant agencies,” Mahat added.
Mahat also said he has held talks with customs officials on why customs offices are missing revenue targets. “I am hopeful that the economy will come back on track from the next fiscal year,” Mahat told the delegation, according to the statement.
