Kathmandu. The Finance Minister has clarified the recent talk of tax evasion. He said that the import of vehicles through Rasuwa and Mustang border points should not be seen as tax evasion but should be understood in relation to normal business process of the market.

According to the Finance Minister, businessmen make their import plan on the basis of the assumption that the tax rate will change before the budget. He said that even before the tax policy was announced, business decisions were made due to the assumption that the tax would increase or decrease in the market.

He said, “Businessmen open LC, order goods and make transportation arrangements by anticipating whether the tax will increase or decrease.” It’s part of the business strategy. According to him, the expectation of tax hike on tobacco products, alcohol and luxury goods is normal, so entrepreneurs prepare accordingly.