Goods and services from special economic zones (SEZs) may soon be made VAT-exempt under draft legislative amendments approved by the House Planning and Budgeting Committee on Wednesday, reports Al Mal. If passed in a final general assembly vote, the changes — part of a raft of amendments to the VAT Act — would afford projects set up in SEZs the same treatment as those in freezones, which pay no VAT on goods and services they import or export, excluding cars.

More VAT changes in the pipeline: An amendment that would scrap VAT on strategic commodities including legumes, grains, table salt, and spices received committee approval last week, while proposals to close exemptions for products including crackers and sweet pastries as well as commercial and administrative real estate remain with the committee.