Today we learned the interesting and important news that Bolivia has eliminated all taxes previously levied on books . The announcement was made by Evo Morales, the Bolivian president.
Until now, books were subject to a 13% tax, specifically the value-added tax (VAT), and a 3% transaction tax. This unusual measure aims to promote reading and also to make reading accessible to all Bolivians.
Morales has responded with this initiative to the requests that for many years have been demanding different associations of booksellers to try to fight against the growing problem of piracy. By exempting books from taxes, booksellers in the country will be able to offer lower prices and also certainly make interesting offers.
With this measure, the Bolivian government seeks to take a first step to, in addition to helping booksellers throughout the country as a secondary objective, promote reading among all inhabitants of the country as its main objective.
Evo Morales' own statement at the press conference announcing the decision was curious, as he confessed, "I have that problem, I'm being honest, I don't like to read." Perhaps the new measure he himself promoted will not only encourage many of his people to start reading but also help him develop a love of books.
In addition, the government also announced the creation of the National Library System, undoubtedly an interesting step forward.
Undoubtedly, the decision taken by the government of Evo Morales seems very interesting and that surely many governments around the world should take as an example, although unfortunately in other countries the only thing that matters is to collect taxes without caring too much about the promotion of the culture and specifically reading.
What do you think about the decision made by the Bolivian government?
More information – Spain, a nation of readers and pirates
Source – lamarea.com