MOSCOW, February 4, 2004. (RIA Novosti correspondent Natalia Byrkina) - Russian Economic Development and Trade Minister German Gref has reiterated that the Cabinet does not intend to announce a tax amnesty any time soon.
"We are studying relative world practice and Belgium's experience as this country was the last to have ventured to announce it," Mr Gref said, answering to a question from a participant in the 5th annual investment conference, sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce.
He said there was no convincing evidence in favour of tax amnesties. "The results are not as striking as they were expected they will," said the minister.
Mr Gref emphasised that amnesty had to be thoroughly prepared.
"An all-out liberalisation has to be achieved so that tax amnesty will yield maximum positive results for business and for the state," said Mr Gref.
