The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts says it is not currently considering any measure to collect tax from artistes that perform abroad.

Its statement comes after the matter was raised by Naparima MP Rodney Charles at yesterday’s Joint Select Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Mr Charles allegedly suggested that revenue be collected through taxation from artistes performing abroad.

The Ministry says such a measure can have restrictive implications and negatively impact the industry.

It adds that all cultural practitioners, including artistes working both locally and abroad, are presently subject to the tax provisions of the country, as are all other citizens.

The Ministry ends its statement by saying that it continues to encourage the export of T&T’s cultural products and remains committed to developing the industry.