The cabinet ended its session held on Tuesday to discuss the 2019 draft state budget, and decided to hold a final reading session on Wednesday at 1:30 pm at the Grand Serail, to be followed by a press conference for Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil.
Following the session, Information Minister Jamal al-Jarrah declared that the Foreign Ministry has been tasked with preparing a draft decree related to increasing fees on consulate affairs abroad, and another related to amending visa fees required to enter Lebanon.
Al-Jarrah noted that the Public Works Ministry has been also tasked with increasing the tariff on opening the hall of honor at the airport.
In turn, Interior and Municipalities Minister Raya al-Hassan declared that the tinted window fee has been raised to reach LBP 1 million, adding that the revenue to be made by reselling returned or unsold taxi registration plates can reach up to LBP 140 billion.
In a press conference, Industry Minister Wael Abou Faour announced that the Lebanese industry sector has taken a new strategic direction through the decisions made during the cabinet session.
“The cabinet took an important decision to impose fees on some products in order to protect the Lebanese sectors and products,” he explained.
For his part, Economy Minister Mansour Bteish revealed that a 2% fee will be imposed on all imported goods, with the exception of medications, eco friendly vehicles and machinery used for economy and production.
He stressed that strong measures started to be taken in order to fight against tax evasion at the borders and ports.