Ecuador to set up banana export group
President Rafael Correa announces creation of state banana exporter to tackle tax avoidance and “abuses” of the system
The government of Ecuador has announced the creation of a
state banana export company as a means of tackling what it described as
“abuses” and tax avoidance in the sector.
Speaking at an official press conference, Ecuadorean
president Rafael Correa told reporters that “many abuses” were being committed
by banana exporters at the present time, with some “un-registered companies”
avoiding paying export duties.
Mr Correa said the solution to these difficulties was the creation of a state banana export company, which could apply “clear
regulations” for the sale and export of Ecuadorean bananas.
The president said the export company, which he revealed was
already in the process of being set-up, would help to enforce the country's official
price of US$5.40 (€3.60) per box of bananas.
Mr Correa said that “certain exporters” were using a variety
of means to cheat the system and avoid paying taxes, while others “signed
contacts during the low season, which they failed to meet, instead selling the
fruit for more money during the high season”.
