In the conference room, when Zhao Guoyang and Hong Wenqing talked about some problems in the tariff policy of imported automobiles of the island government, Yao Gang of the Ministry of Foreign Trade next to him was a little puzzled.

"Guoyang, does the government of the island country really implement a zero-tariff policy for imported cars from abroad? What about those domestic automobile companies, such as Honda, Toyota, and Nissan, are not under great pressure?"

"Although the level of the automobile industry in the island country is definitely much higher than ours, compared with the European and American powers, it may not be able to occupy an absolute advantage, right?"

After Yao Gang asked this, everyone in the conference room nodded in agreement.

Although Hong Wenqing knows some about the tariffs on automobiles in the island countries, he does not know much about them.

At this time, after Minister Yao inquired about Zhao Guoyang, he also shot an inquiring glance at Zhao Guoyang.

Noticing the gazes of several bigwigs, Zhao Guoyang began to explain unhurriedly.

He raised his finger and said: "Leaders, although the island country implements a zero-tariff policy for imported cars, and it seems that it is very open and confident in the automobile market, its non-tariff barriers have effectively blocked foreign cars from the island country's market. ”

"According to what I learned from a report in a well-known foreign economic newspaper in February this year, last year, that is, in 1991. ”

"Of the 4.07 million cars sold in the island nation, foreign brands, including Renault, Peugeot-Citroen and their South Korean rivals Hyundai and Daewoo, account for only about 4% of total car sales. ”

"All other foreign brands combined, is only about 1% of the total sales, such a figure, at first glance, completely does not match the island country's open auto tariff policy, but in fact, it is an inevitable result of the island country's perfect non-tariff trade barriers......

Listening to Zhao Guoyang's eloquent talk, Hong Wenqing was surprised.

He didn't expect that this young "researcher Zhao" would also have a deep understanding of foreign economic policies, and he was simply an all-round talent.

As soon as Zhao Guoyang closed his mouth, Zhu Yiming, a high-ranking official in Liaodong Province, couldn't help but ask: "Researcher Zhao, what exactly is this 'non-tariff trade barrier' you just mentioned?

Zhao Guoyang smiled and explained: "Senior official Zhu, the issue of 'non-tariff trade barriers' is very complicated, and it cannot be explained clearly in a few words......

"To put it simply, trade barriers are the main means by which countries exert trade protection on their own industries, including tariff barriers and non-tariff barriers. ”

"In contrast, NTBs are now being used by more countries because of their variety, concealment and discriminatory nature. The island nation has long been recognized as one of the most successful countries in the world in using trade barriers to protect its industries. ”

"In particular, the automobile trade barrier measures of the island country have played a non-negligible role in the rapid development of its automobile industry, and finally made the island country one of the world's automobile powers. ”

Speaking of this, Zhao Guoyang smiled and said, "Just explaining it like this may be a bit empty and boring. In this case, I will give you an example based on the report in this newspaper!"

Zhu Yiming naturally nodded in agreement when he heard this, and several other bigwigs also nodded and listened attentively.

Zhao Guoyang sorted out his thoughts, and then compared: "According to the situation pointed out in this report I saw, light vehicles with a displacement of less than 660cc account for about 1/3 of the car sales in the island country, and these models, American and European car companies, almost never produce. ”

When Zhao Guoyang said this, there was a burst of discussion in the conference room.

Lu Xinmin, another bigwig in Liaodong Province, opened his voice in confusion: "Researcher Zhao, why do these automobile companies in the United States and Europe give up this kind of light vehicle with a small displacement? Obviously, this kind of model sells very well in the island country, but they don't make money if they make money, are they fools?"

Lu Xinmin's question basically represents everyone's voice.

After he asked, all the bigwigs nodded in agreement.

After everyone's discussion gradually subsided, Zhao Guoyang explained unhurriedly: "Before answering this question, I think you must first understand how the automobile tariff barriers of the island country are developed. ”

"Although the island countries joined the GATT as early as 1955, the government's tariff protection for automobiles lasted until 1978. ”

"Since the models produced by the car companies of the island countries are mainly small cars with small wheelbases, the island countries impose higher tariffs on imported small cars. ”

"Throughout the 60s of the 20th century, the tariff rate for small cars with a wheelbase of 2700mm and below was 40%, while the tariff rate for cars with a wheelbase of more than 2700mm was 35%, the tariff rate for small trucks with a wheelbase of 2540mm and below was 30%, and the tariff rate for trucks with a wheelbase of 2540mm or more was 27%. ”

In addition, according to the provisions of the GATT, after joining the GATT, the island countries have listed the automobile industry as a childish industry that needs to be protected. ”

Hearing this, Gao Tongzhou was puzzled: "Infant industry?

Zhao Guoyang glanced at Vice Mayor Gao and said with an indifferent smile: "Yes, this 'infant industry' is a concept diffracted in foreign trade in order to protect the country's basic industries. ”

"Generally speaking, if an industry is unable to compete with foreign firms due to a lack of technical experience, low productivity, and production costs that are higher than international market prices. ”

"Under the protection of a certain period of time, the industry can be more efficient, survive under the conditions of free trade, and make profits, the industry is infantile. ”

After Zhao Guoyang's explanation, the bigwigs in the conference room finally understood a rough idea.

Zhao Guoyang paused for a moment and continued: "After the government of the island country listed the automobile industry as a childish industry that needs to be protected, the island country automobile company has gained a rare respite. ”

"It was not until the island country's automobile companies developed and grew that they had full export capacity that the island country's government gradually opened up its own auto market. ”

"In 70, the island country reduced the tariff on small cars with a wheelbase of 2 700mm or less to 20%, and in 71, the tariff on cars in the island country was reduced to 10%, and in 72, the tariff on automobiles was reduced to 8%. ”

"In 78, the island countries completely abolished the car tariffs, and now, the island countries' car tariffs are all zero. ”

When Zhao Guoyang said this, the bigwigs in the conference room were a little stunned.

Yao Gang couldn't help but exclaimed: "It turns out that the government of the island country has begun to lay out the small displacement car market decades ago, no wonder the American and European car companies are gradually not involved in this market......

Zhao Guoyang said "um" and nodded: "In addition to making a fuss about the displacement of cars, before the 80s, island countries imposed a goods tax on cars, which is roughly equivalent to our domestic purchase tax. ”

"15% for small passenger cars, 30% for mid-size passenger cars, and 50% for high-end passenger cars......"

"In the initial stage of car consumption in island countries, which are dominated by small passenger cars, this policy has also played a great role in inhibiting the sales of European and American cars. ”

Zhao Guoyang explained that Hong Wenqing, a senior official of the State Taxation Bureau, was already very convinced of him.

He never imagined that he would be pulled over to participate in such a demonstration meeting in the automobile industry, and he would be able to find such a talent.

No, talent alone can no longer be described, this "Researcher Zhao" is simply a "jack of all trades" general existence, which is amazing.

Zhao Guoyang didn't know what Hong Wenqing was thinking, he continued to speak: "In addition, although the island country has adopted a zero-tariff policy for imported cars, it is also taxed in the ownership and use of ......."

"At present, the car tax in the car ownership stage of the island country, passenger cars are taxed according to the displacement, a total of 10 sections, the larger the displacement of the model, the more taxed, the annual tax can reach up to 100,000 yen. ”

"As for commercial vehicles, the tax is based on the maximum loading capacity, and the larger the loading capacity, the more the tax, and there is no cap on the tax amount. ”

"In terms of the weight tax of cars in the car ownership stage, the government of the island country has also used some shrewd tricks, in the island country, the car ownership stage is taxed according to the weight of the car, which is very beneficial to the island country car that is known for its light weight......

Listening to Zhao Guoyang's eloquent talk about the island country's automobiles, all the leaders present kept nodding their heads and looked thoughtful.

"In addition, the island government has taken many other measures to improve the competitiveness of domestic car companies. For example, restricting the construction of sales networks for imported automobiles, or using complicated and cumbersome procedures for importing automobiles to hinder foreign automakers from entering the market. ”

"Another example is the introduction of strict fuel economy requirements, the formulation of harsh vehicle emission standards, and the new car replacement subsidy policy that is conducive to domestic cars, etc.......

Zhao Guoyang paused slightly, and then concluded: "It can be said that island countries have restrained competitors by using different trade barrier measures at different times. ”

"In this way, it has not only won the opportunity for the development of the local automobile industry, but also provided experience for the development of the automobile industry in other countries. ”

Speaking of which, the bigwigs present here are completely clear about the non-tariff barrier policy of island countries.

Hong Wenqing stared at Zhao Guoyang for a long time, and couldn't help but sigh: "Researcher Zhao, today is really 'listening to your words is better than reading a book for ten years'." After listening to your explanation, I realized that I still need to understand and learn a lot as a tax professional!"

Listening to the big man's sigh, Zhao Guoyang said humbly again and again: "Hong Ju, you are serious. I've only seen these things from newspapers and magazines, so I don't deserve your praise......"

Seeing this, Fang Xuesen on the side smiled and patted Zhao Guoyang's shoulder and said, "Guoyang, don't be modest." Your explanation just now has made us understand the importance of non-tariff barriers in the automotive industry. ”

"It's no exaggeration to say that you've taught us a good lesson!"