DR: IMF doesn't know jack about economic growth

El Caribe reports that the fiscal authorities have collected only 77% of their target income, despite new measures introduced last January. The US$10 increase in the departure tax, the 2% levy on imports and the 5% surcharge on exports were projected to generate RD$490 million for the month of January 2004, but have only succeeded in raising RD$380 million. The article makes the observation that this shortfall should cause some concern for the tax authorities, as January is typically one of the best months for government revenue, due to the fact that much of the December payments are made in January. The attempt to boost fiscal income through increased taxation is part of the government's efforts to comply with the International Monetary Fund agreement.