Skopje, February 1st
The Government has developed eight reform laws in the finance sector, which have been submitted for Parliament review. These include amendments to the laws on securities, customs tariff, Customs Administration, Customs Rulebook, execution of services for swift money transfer, prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism, as well as adoption of a new law on state audit and law on the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA).
"Besides harmonization with the EU Acquis, these laws will also provide a functional and stable market of securities for domestic and foreign investors, contributing to the improvement of business climate", said Finance Minister Zoran Stavreski at Monday's press conference.
Amendments to the Law on Securities stipulate the acquiring of qualified share in the securities' market, a brokerage house and securities deposit house.
Changes to the Customs Law are aimed at creating a legal framework for implementation of the new system for processing of customs declarations in the Customs Administration.
The Law on Customs Tariff foresees equalizing of the customs rate for import of new and used vehicles at five percent.
"This will enable Macedonian citizens to purchase cheaper cars", stressed Minister Stavreski.
Moreover, Integrated Customs Tariff-TARIM is to be introduced, enabling uniformed application of the Law on Customs Tariff, measures of the trading policy and all other regulations for import and export of commodities in Macedonia.
"TARIM is one of the main sub-systems, which will represent the platform for the subsequent implementation of the EU TARIC system, after Macedonia obtains a date for Union accession", added Stavreski.
Referring to the IPA law, the FinMin stressed the bill regulated the obligation for establishment of an independent body, which would implement, monitor and control IPA, thus creating an efficient instrument for control of EU funds' spending.
In addition, laws for prevention of money laundering and financing of terrorism aim at increase of control and strengthening of mechanisms for this purpose.
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