What businesses want after latest bout of Covid

Eighty two percent of business groups have sought such loans for their members after many banks stopped providing them, saying they have reached their limits, according to a recent survey by the Private Economic Development Research Board.

Ninety one percent have called for a reduction or waiver of land fees, corporate income tax and other fees until the end of 2022, and for a moratorium on new fees and taxes.

Some have also sought stimulus policies to boost consumption, pointing out that a 50 percent reduction in car registration fees from July until December last year proved effective.

Businesses, especially in aviation, transport and tourism, have faced major difficulties since last year due to the pandemic.

The number of companies closing down in the first six months rose by nearly 25 percent year-on-year to over 70,000.