The Government aims to promote digital services in as many fields as possible, expecting to both improve the competitiveness of service providers and reduce costs at end-users, Mihály Varga said following the third session of the National Competitiveness Council. As the Minister said, they have managed to draft amendments concerning five out of the altogether six priority areas discussed by the Council, which can be submitted to the National Assembly already this semester.

As Mihály Varga stressed, they plan to promote electronic account management, the on-line settlement of public utility bills, and the Cabinet is also planning the introduction of corporate tax return drafts, similarly to those for private persons, prepared by the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV).

The decision to cut tax on Internet services from 18 percent to 5 percent next year also promotes digitalization, he said. Among other incentives the Minister mentioned the introduction of a basic bank account, which may substantial reduce banking costs.

Certain short-term competitiveness-boosting measures proposed by the Council, such as regulatory amendments concerning construction and public utility services, have already entered the legislative phase, he added.

(Ministry for National Economy)