MP Al-Nisf hails online issuance of commercial licensesKUWAIT CITY, Aug 19: Chairman of Business Environment Improvement Committee in the National Assembly MP Rakan Al-Nisf praised the legislative and executive authorities for the efforts they exerted in easing procedures for the establishment of companies, including the issuance of commercial licenses through the Internet.In a press statement, Al-Nisf disclosed one of the obstacles that entrepreneurs face when putting up a business is bureaucracy in government institutions, particularly in obtaining a commercial license.He affirmed the committee is fully cooperating with the government to develop the economy. He said the Ministry of Commerce remains committed to the timetable submitted to the committee for the improvement of the business environment. He added the committee is ready to receive comments of citizens on the online issuance of commercial licenses.On the other hand, MP Issa Al-Kandari stressed the issuance of licenses for micro enterprises is a step in the right direction as it will encourage young citizens to work in the private sector. He went on to say, “We expect Minister Khalid Al-Roudhan to continue working on such projects.”Meanwhile, MP Abdul Wahab Al-Babtain has forwarded questions to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anas Al-Saleh about the residential plots. He explained law number 8/2008 was issued to amend the title and some provisions of law number 50/1994 on the use of land.He pointed out this law prohibits individuals and institutions from monopolizing residential land, so fees are collected according to the law and the collected fees are considered public funds. He claimed some individuals and companies have avoided paying these fees; thus, he submitted the following questions to the minister:■ Are there individuals or companies that did not pay the fees? If yes, submit their names and the total amount of unpaid fees.■ Procedures taken by the Ministry of Finance to identify defaulters.■ Measures taken against defaulters.■ Procedures to prevent defaulters from using plots.■ Individuals and companies exempted from paying, if any, and legal basis of exemption. Is there a settlement between the Ministry and individuals or companies, whether final exemption or rescheduling of payment? If yes, please submit their names and copies of settlement along with the legal document through which the exemption or rescheduling was done.  By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff