A Time for Change in Europe! FSEA participated on May 25th at The Free Market Road Show 2016. The event was co-organized with the Austrian Economics Center, Moldo-German Business Association and ASEM
Local and international experts discussed about decentralization and privatization of services as a way to make government more efficient and reduce taxes. about taxes and political accountability as well as about the role of trade agreements in times of a changing economy. The premise being that tax-competition between countries has the potential to lure foreign investment to countries that want it the most.
FSEA president David Smith focused in his presentation on the situation in Moldova around the theme that “before we can talk about low taxes or high taxes we need to talk about smart taxes vs stupid taxes.” He strongly opined that Moldova is subjected to a crushing set of “stupid taxes” and because of the market incentives they provide it encourages cronyism, corruption and tax fraud. In particular he advocated for a system of fair, clear and transparent taxes for business, also for a massive reduction in customs duties on any items not produced by Moldova.
Furthermore David Smith encouraged the students to participate in their government in order to force positive changes in the tax and business climate that will yield more investment, higher wages and higher government tax revenue.