Core Viewpoint - The "Simplified Tax System" will enhance the unique competitive advantage of Hainan Free Trade Port after its closure operation, aiming to attract capital and improve tax revenue competitiveness [1][2]. Tax System Reform - The "Simplified Tax System" merges multiple taxes into a sales tax, significantly reducing the complexity of the current tax system, which has 18 types of taxes in China [2][4]. - This reform aims to eliminate double taxation issues, particularly benefiting manufacturing enterprises reliant on imported materials by lowering costs [2][3]. Tax Structure Design - The reform's core goal is to establish a simple and scientifically structured tax system with lower tax burdens [4][5]. - There are two design approaches for the sales tax: "broad tax base with low rates" or "narrow tax base with high rates," with experts suggesting that the former may better suit Hainan's goals [4][6]. Implementation Challenges - The "Simplified Tax System" reform faces significant challenges, including the complexity of tax collection and the need for coordination with other regions' tax systems to avoid double taxation [7][8]. - Experts indicate that the reform is still in the research phase and may not be fully implemented during the current planning period due to its complexity [7][8].

Core Viewpoint - The Japanese Finance Minister, Kato Katsunobu, emphasized the critical importance of sales tax for the social security system [1] Group 1 - Sales tax is deemed essential for maintaining and funding Japan's social security framework [1] - The government is likely to continue relying on sales tax as a primary revenue source to support social welfare programs [1]

Core Viewpoint - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasizes that sales tax is a revenue source for social welfare programs such as pensions [1] Group 1 - There is a need to establish a framework for publicly discussing tax issues [1] - The pros and cons of tax reduction were not discussed during the election period [1]

Group 1 - The Pakistani Finance Minister announced a plan to impose an 18% sales tax on the import of solar panels [1]

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Finance Minister, Kato Katsunobu, stated that the government is not considering new economic measures as it has just begun implementing the supplementary budget for the last fiscal year and this year's budget [1] Group 1 - The government will continue to implement emergency measures in response to U.S. tariff actions [1] - Due to the need to fund social security costs, it is not appropriate to lower the sales tax [1] - The government aims to maintain fiscal availability to prepare for potential crises [1]