In a thought-provoking turn of events, the Government has ratified a landmark decision extending the benefits from mining and oil exploration to the country's administrative divisions, that is, districts and provinces. These regions will thus share a slice of the prosperity, collecting dividends from the revenue generated by these operations. This is a significant extension of a privilege previously granted only to communities.
This breaking news was brought to light on Tuesday, 30 May, by Filimão Suaze, the Government's official spokesman. His words resounded through the walls of the room where the 19th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers was taking place.
This measure, which translates into the allocation of a rate of 7.25% of mining or oil production, was born of the desire to foster development in these areas. It is a broader perspective that complements the existing 2.75% contribution, which is channelled to local communities from the exploitation of their own resources.
In line with this decision, and in the same session, the Council of Ministers approved a decree establishing the general rules for customs clearance. This legislative act revokes two previous decrees, 9/2017 of 6 April and 70/2022 of 28 December.
The legal framework now approved establishes the principles and rules applicable to the control and customs clearance of goods, valuables and their means of transport, covering every shade of international trade. This ambition also includes cross-border electronic customs clearance at national level.
Furthermore, during the same session, a decree was considered and approved ratifying the Regulation of the Excise Duty Code, revoking Decree number 75/2019 of 16 September.
