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In order to achieve its overall objectives, namely an improved business climate, harmonious coexistence of industrial and small scale mining, development of the DRC's mineral potential, and better social and environmental conditions in mining areas, the Government's priorities in the mining sector will essentially focus on drafting the Strategic Mining Development Plan (2016 2021).

The work to provide social access to drinking water for only US$50 will continue in the areas covered by the scheme. There are also plans to construct a modular water treatment plant in Kinshasa capable of handling 330,000 m3/day. The first of the three planned modules will have a capacity of 110,000 m3/day.

The plan envisages making the DRC the third most popular destination for tourism in sub Saharan Africa by 2030. The associated action plan includes restoring national parks and access routes to promote green tourism. There are also plans to add value to the reserves and nature sites by improving and increasing accommodation in the vicinity.

The reforms will take account of regional and town planning requirements, and the requirements in the agricultural, forestry, environmental and mining sectors.

Context:
4.103. In conformity with its overall strategy to improve the business and investment climate, the Government will focus on further enhancing and protecting property. With the same objective in view, the Land Law will be amended. Other measures will concern the digitalization of property titles so that they can be better protected. Land reserves will be mapped in order to improve the planning involved in land applications.

Since the last WTO review of the country's trade policy in 2010 , the Government has launched a large scale programme of structural reforms and governance strengthening measures, with a view to consolidating peace, promoting the country's economic and social development , and speeding up progress towards the new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). (...)

Other ministries and institutions are also involved in trade policy formulation and implementation, including (...) the Ministry of the Environment, Nature Conservation, Water and Forests (...)

The Investment Code defines the overall framework and the guarantees given to investors in the DRC. It provides for a single regime, the general regime, alongside special provisions for SMEs. [15] (...)

[15] To qualify under the general regime, investors must be an economic entity established under Congolese law, be respectful of the environment and nature, provide training to Congolese staff, guarantee a ratio of value added of at least 35%, and investments must be for a minimum sum of US$200,000 for large companies and US$10,000 for SMEs. Filing fees are US$1,000 for large companies and US$500 for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

Table 2.3 Investment preferences under different codes and laws
A. Concessions granted under the Investment Codea
- Type: Deduction from taxable profits of amounts spent on training and environmental protection and nature conservation
- Granting procedure: Filing of 3 copies of the dossier with the ANAPI
Processing time: 30 days maximum
- Duration: Region A (Kinshasa): 3 years
Region B (Kongo Central, some cities in Katanga): 4 years
Region C (other provinces): 5 years
(...)
E. Concessions granted under the tax, customs, parafiscal, non tax revenue and foreign exchange regimes applicable to cooperation agreements and cooperation projectse
- Type: (...)
- Granting procedure: (...) Incorporation of social and environmental clauses; (...)
- Duration: Life of the project
(...)
G. Concessions granted pursuant to the rules relating to the conditions and procedures for rescuing an industrial enterprise in difficultygh
- Type: Full exemption from import duties and taxes on new equipment, machinery and tools and original spare parts where the value of such equipment does not exceed 10% of its c.i.f. value
- Granting procedure: Ensure the sustainability of the socio economic impacts on the local and national environment
(...)
- Duration: Once only
(...)

In return for these benefits, companies and enterprises formed for the purposes of private investment and having received approval must implement the programme as described and within the time limits laid down in the Order; keep accounts in compliance with the OHADA system of accounts; monitor the performance of the investment; and allow inspections by the competent authority. They must also train and promote Congolese staff and comply with environmental protection and nature conservation regulations.

These duties may be imposed for fiscal reasons, to protect consumers or the environment, or because of the harmful effects of the products, their luxury nature or their mass consumption.

Context:
3.62. Excise duties are levied, inter alia, on fuel, sugar, tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, aerated beverages, vehicles and telecommunications. The duties are ad valorem or specific and levied at rates that vary from 2 to 60%, according to the type of product, on both imports and domestic products.