BATL initiative against port activities
One more time we have to read articles on corruption and mismanagement around Latvia and its free port.
As published on September 22nd, 2013 we read in Diena.lv, LA.lv, 10minutes.lv, labz.lv, delfi.lv, tvnet.lv and bnn-news.com the following, really worrying article:
“BATL supports the initiative to divert profits from port activities to Latvia’s state budget
The Biedrība Baltijas asociācija – Transports un loģistika (BATL) supports the initiative of the Economy Ministry to amend the current regulations to allow the transfer of a portion of Latvia’s ports’ revenue to the state budget starting January 1, 2014.
“It is not the introduction of new taxes on port Boards that will reduce the overall competitiveness of Latvia’s transit corridor but the state’s inability to prevent the arbitrariness of the management teams of Latvia’s ports, which often results in scandals, criminal accusations, irresponsible realization of investment projects and other unpleasant activities. This fact is proven with conclusions from the prosecutor’s office, Corruption Prevention and Combating Bureau, the European Commission and courts,” – as BATL informed BNN.
“We are certain that it is not possible to increase the competitiveness of Latvia’s transit corridor while the arbitrariness of Latvia’s ports still remains, allowing port Boards to freely operate state and municipal assets, not pay taxes and freely manipulate port financial resources as they see fit,” – BATL states.
BNN reports further more:
This is why BATL has decided to support the ministry’s initiative. The association believes that this step will become a signal for the improvement of Latvia’s transit corridor. BATL believes it will not only supplement the state budget but will also force members of port management Boards to seriously rethink their current lifestyle.
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