The Minister of Finance, José Antonio Ocampo, participated in a Regional Forum on Tax Reform held in Cali, in which he exposed before businessmen, congressmen and unions some of the bases of the project.
(What sugary drinks and ‘snacks’ would increase if they were taxed).
In the middle of his speech, the minister referred to one of the taxes that has generated the most controversy, the 10% tax on ultra-processed foods, and assured that bakeries and small commercial establishments will not be affected by this tax.
“We are going to propose an exception for small businesses, for shops or bakeries. A small bakery, which makes its mojicón, does not have to pay that tax, but they are larger companies or importers of products”, Ocampo said.
(‘Tax on sugary drinks would lead to the closure of 250,000 stores’).
In the reform project, a 10% ad valorem tax is proposed on products such as sausages, French fries, fried potatoes, packaged pork rinds, sweet cookies, cupcakes and cakesamong others.
“I understand the controversy that there has been, I have heard very different debates. We have somewhat simplified the proposal that we are going to present on ultra-processed foods and we have been looking for some that meet certain requirements in terms of sugar and sodium. It will be the Congress who decides, it is a matter of public health”, said the head of the Treasury portfolio.
(What is true and false about the tax reform project).
The minister reiterated in space that “no one has wanted to harm private enterprise”, and that the government is not against any particular sector or private investment.
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