ZAGREB, March 24, 2020 - The Croatian Chamber of Commerce (HGK) and the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) on Tuesday said that the business sector affected by the coronavirus epidemic urged the government to exempt them from paying all their contributions rather than allowing for deferred payment.
"We welcome the government's first package of measures to support the economy," HGK president Luka Burilović said, adding that the Chamber had actively participated in the preparation of that rescue package.
In line with the demands of our members the Chamber of Commerce recommends that the second set of measures exempts those companies faced with problems from the payment of all contributions, including contributions and taxes on wages and of membership fees. That means exemption of payments and not deferment," Burilović underscored.
He underlined that this crisis, unlike the last, requires consumption and measures to boost consumption instead of austerity measures.
"In that light in fact, we need to absorb EU funds as much as possible, now when the European Commission is showing greater flexibility," adding that in that context the government should consider additionally covering the cost of wages by HRK 5,000 for each employee in companies affected by the crisis.
Burilović underscored that the Chamber calls on banks for a moratorium on all loan liabilities for those physical and legal entities affected by the crisis, for at least six months without charging any fees or interest.
Director-General of the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) Davor Majetić underscores that employers are asking that all contributions and para-fiscal fees be temporarily abolished because of the hardships in conducting their business.
"It is obvious to everyone by looking at the number of people registering with the Employment Service for the payment of HRK 3,250 that the situation is critical," Majetić told Hina.
More coronavirus news can be found in the Lifestyle section.
