The proliferation of the informal sector, a major challenge
Houcine Azaz recognizes that the sector is in crisis. One of the main problems that bakers face is the proliferation of the informal sector, where many establishments operate without licenses, without adequate infrastructure and without control. “These bakeries are popping up like mushrooms, and the control commissions, like the ONSSA, often only attack bakers who respect the laws, while letting the informal sector prosper,” he laments.
Formal bakers are subject to heavy charges, including municipal taxes, VAT, IS, AMO and CNSS, thus creating unfair competition. Azaz calls for the establishment of an organized framework to regulate the sector: “We have years of experience, taxes to pay and financial commitments. We are not here for nothing. Fixed taxation is a burden on us, especially when others pay nothing. »
A pending program contract
To face these challenges, a program contract was developed based on a study which established a diagnosis of the pastry sector, both modern and traditional. This contract was approved by the Ministries of the Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Industry and Finance, in collaboration with the federation. However, his signing, planned for 2019, was put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A crucial meeting is planned for October 14 at the Ministry of Agriculture to move forward on these issues. “Several important points will be on the agenda during this meeting,” he specifies. For the moment, the bakers’ representative remains optimistic about the ongoing discussions with the State: “We hope that the program contract will be updated and validated, which will improve working conditions in our sector. » He also promises that if the dialogue does not succeed, the sector will be ready to express its discontent through various forms of protest
