Businessmen suggested that pending government policies such as a value-added tax (VAT) hike from 7% should be delayed as long as possible because it would weaken already weak consumer purchasing power. Calls for the government to tackle corruption as well as make the best use of free trade agreements (FTAs) were repeated. Companies were warned to be wary of a fragile global economy and volatile foreign exchange rates this year. The government was told it must implement additional measures to boost exports.