DRC: the FPI explains its missions to economic operators in Kalemie

On November 14, 2024, the Tanganyika and Haut-Lomami Provincial Department of the Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie (FPI) organized a promotional and exchange day for the entity’s economic operators.

Organized for the first time, this activity aimed to popularize the FPI’s missions and its financing policy.

On November 14, 2024, the Tanganyika and Haut-Lomami Provincial Department of the Fonds de Promotion de l’Industrie (FPI) organized a promotional and exchange day for the entity’s economic operators.

Organized for the first time, this activity aimed to popularize the FPI’s missions and financing policy.

The aim was to meet a need for information on the work of the FPI in financing local industry.

Provincial Director Désiré Banza Kilumba explained to the audience the nature and rationale of the industry promotion tax, the eligibility criteria for FPI financing, and the procedures for granting loans or subsidies to applicants. This, in an environment where the industry promotion tax is still little-known by many of the economic operators subject to it and the majority of citizens.

The presentation of projects financed by the FPI, accompanied by a moving testimonial from a beneficiary, was a highlight of the day, which ended on a positive note, with promises of partnership under negotiation.

Two panels were set up, the first of which focused on the IPF’s missions, objectives, scope of action and resources, with particular emphasis on the mandatory nature of local IPT payment and the misinterpretation of double taxation for industrial importers who pay customs. The second

A presentation of the projects financed by the FPI, accompanied by a moving testimonial from a beneficiary, was a highlight of the day, which ended on a positive note with promises of partnership under negotiation.

Two panels were set up, the first of which focused on the IPF’s missions, objectives, scope of action and resources, with particular emphasis on the mandatory nature of local IPT payment and the misinterpretation of double taxation for industrial importers who pay customs. The second panel addressed the general financing policy and its eligibility criteria.

Indeed, due to a lack of information, some economic operators believe that the obligation to pay the industry promotion tax gives them direct access to FPI financing. This is an erroneous perception on the part of many taxpayers, who believe that FPI financing is a counterpart to the IPT they pay. However, payment of the IPT does not automatically lead to project financing.

The granting of credit by the FPI is subject to a procedure and certain conditions.

Jules Kihuya, head of the SNEL/Tanganyika distribution center, thanked the public institution for having recently financed the project to erect the second turbine at the Bendera power station, which supplies the town of Kalemie.

Through these exchanges, the FPI demonstrated its commitment to supporting the Congolese government in the creation of processing units.

Nadine FULA