Is Lebanon witnessing a random rise in prices?

The decision to increase tariffs on imported products has been entered in the budget of 2019, reinforcing the fears of Lebanese citizens of a random increase in prices that are beyond the control and responsibility.

Political and economic opinions were divided on this article. Some deputies voiced their rejection during last week's budget debate, while economist Jasim Ajja said that this procedure is satisfactory and that it can have a positive impact on the economy. , subject to compliance with the law and thus remains the lesson of implementation.

According to an article by Caroline Aacom in the Middle East, this increase includes imported goods subject to VAT, excluding gasoline and raw materials for industry and agriculture. . The Ministry of the Economy should publish a list of these goods, which should affect about 55% of goods imported by Lebanon.

The Minister of Economy, Mansour Betish, said that "the 3% tax on imported products only affects half of imports," rebaduring the Lebanese about the cost of living that the Ministry of Economics and Commerce will be at the eye. On their interests. "

"Our experience in Lebanon is not encouraging and we expect this step to fail because the problem persists: non-enforcement of laws or laws," Agaak told Asharq Al-Awsat in a statement. in Asharq Al-Awsat. The selectivity policy in their application, so the benefit of the implications of this tax requires first-clbad control of prices to ensure their commitment, as well as the operation of traders.

For its part, Industry Minister Wael Abu Faour, said Monday that "any local product being dumped will be protected," noting that "there are many treatments that stimulate the industrial sector ".