October 2020 Print Bulletin
FROM THE PRESIDENTS’ DESK
Dear fellow print professionals,
By the time you would read this issue, we would be well into the festive mood. In our industry, and many key sectors of global and local economies, the sentiments are subdued, concerning, and the future looks grim. But let us stop there; we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Let us not forget the fact that we have to fight not only for our survival but also to achieve growth in the future. Instead of focusing on disappointments, negative news, negative growth, we must focus on ourselves – live by the day; take small steps but move forward; keep exploring possibilities.
Team Print Bulletin has interviewed both of us, the new Presidents of your organisations. And you will read in our interviews that our thoughts echo this ‘stay put, stay alive’ strategy for now. Does it mean your organisations too are staying put? Certainly not. Please turn to page 10 and page 14 to read the interviews where we have shared our plans to support you better and with more rigour.
One area of concern we both are taking up for advocacy action is a demand for GST rationalisation. We are well aware that the complex GST regimen has put immense pressures on our industry, much like many other sectors. We have borne those pressures since the inception of this new tax structure. However, in the unprecedented challenging times, it is only fair for us to expect more streamlined, simpler, and easier to comply GST. Cutting down on tax-rates and perhaps keeping them uniform across categories or the industry will also help in the short- and long-term. Your organisations are carefully studying this issue to find solutions and suggestions. And, we promise that we shall take it up with AIFMP and with the government authorities.