The founder of the world’s second largest construction company and Norway’s sixth richest man went straight for the finance minister’s throat during the Debate on news. The boss of salmon giant Salmar says he was visited by Vedum 11 months ago. – He came out and was going to turn his hose green. He said that “now the ground rent tax has been put away”. Then they come 11–12 months later and have suddenly introduced basic rent, says Witzøe. He says they invested 2 billion in Senja after this. – These are investments we would not have made if he had been honest with us, he says. – So what do you call it? – At least a betrayal. Not only against the undersigned, but against an entire industry, replies Witzøe. He made a request to Vedum. – Why are we in such a hurry to introduce a basic interest rate of 40 per cent before we actually know the principles for the interest rate? Give us time, and together we will both contribute more, but also find a tax revenue that is sustainable, he said. The aquaculture industry meets the government about the salmon tax and layoffs of employees. Vedum: Not relevant Finance Minister Vedum says it is not relevant to give what the Salmar boss is asking for. – No, that is not relevant. Basic interest will be introduced from 1 January. It is important and correct because Norway is a joint team. Gustav Witzøe has been extremely talented, created billions in revenue, says Vedum and continues: – I saw his son, who is also good, had more than 1 billion in revenue last year, great value is created. We believe it is right to share those values. Because that is the Norwegian model. You should be able to become rich, but if you create great value, then you must be involved in splicing. Didn’t want to meet Vedum Even though Vedum stood right next to him in the debate, Witzøe didn’t want to debate the finance minister. The Salmar manager has been invited to a meeting with Vedum on Friday, but says in the Debate that he refrains from meeting Vedum. – No, we don’t. There is a political leadership in Oslo that is trying to divide the industry by inviting the big ones to Oslo, says Witzøe. Facts about ground rent tax for the aquaculture industry Effective rate of 40 per cent. Applies to the production of salmon, trout and rainbow trout. A floor deduction of 4,000-5,000 tonnes ensures that only the largest players pay ground rent tax. To apply from 1 January 2023, the government proposes. Will provide between 3.6 and 3.8 billion annual tax revenues. The income must be distributed equally between the state and municipalities. The proposal has been submitted for consultation with a deadline of 3 January. The proposal has been submitted for consultation and not adopted. (Source: NTB) The government under pressure According to what news is informed, the government will be open to including more elements in the price setting. news is not aware of how large or extensive the changes may be, or whether any adjustments will be presented as early as Friday. Dispute over meeting Finance Minister Trygve Slagsvold Vedum (Sp) and Fisheries and Oceans Minister Bjørnar Skjæran have invited the five largest aquaculture companies to a meeting about the disputed ground rent tax. The meeting will be on Friday, and is a so-called input meeting. But on Thursday afternoon, the companies announced that they would not meet. They would rather send the trade organizations Seafood Norway and Seafood Companies. Photo: Terje Pedersen / NTB – They were invited to a meeting about a proposal that affects the entire industry. It is therefore natural that it is precisely the industry organizations that meet. The five largest companies are represented through us, said CEO of Sjømat Norge, Geir Ove Ystmark, to news. – Isn’t it a bit arrogant of the companies to refuse a meeting with the government? – No, I don’t think so. On the contrary, it is a bit strange to only invite a few companies to provide input on a proposal that affects the entire industry. Therefore, it is natural that it is rather Seafood Norway and the Seafood companies that attend the meeting, replied Ystmark. – It is generous of the large companies to ensure that the entire industry is represented, he added. Vedum says it is stupid and surprising that the companies do not want to meet. He says he received five identical emails from the five invited companies. – It looks like a coordinated action by Seafood Norway, says Vedum to news on Thursday evening.
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– A betrayal – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
