Key developments and challenges

The government established a public fund to support private sector investment. The Partnership Fund is endowed with equity stakes in the remaining major public enterprises and is intended to support commercially oriented private sector investment in priority areas.

The authorities have worked to harmonise revenue needs with a balanced and fair tax system. The government introduced and later repealed legislation to prioritise tax payments with regard to secured lenders. The tax dispute resolution process was simplified and the tax ombudsman office was created.

The prominence of the country’s dif ficult social issues increased during the parliamentary elections. In September 2012 minimum retirement pensions were increased and mandatory health insurance for retirees was introduced. Both the outgoing and the incoming governments identified agricultural development, health and education as priority areas.