The government of Ecuador has announced the creation of astate banana export company as a means of tackling what it described as“abuses” and tax avoidance in the sector.
Speaking at an official press conference, Ecuadoreanpresident Rafael Correa told reporters that “many abuses” were being committedby banana exporters at the present time, with some “un-registered companies”avoiding paying export duties.
Mr Correa said the solution to these difficulties was the creation of a state banana export company, which could apply “clearregulations” for the sale and export of Ecuadorean bananas.
The president said the export company, which he revealed wasalready in the process of being set-up, would help to enforce the country's officialprice of US$5.40 (€3.60) per box of bananas.
Mr Correa said that “certain exporters” were using a varietyof means to cheat the system and avoid paying taxes, while others “signedcontacts during the low season, which they failed to meet, instead selling thefruit for more money during the high season”.
