He was speaking after inaugurating a seminar on “VAT update and service tax” convened by Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the KCCI building in Bunder here on Monday.

Mr Patil said the Federation would go from district to district and listen to the views of the businessmen towards this GST that included service tax, central excise and VAT.

When the Union government decided to implement VAT in the country, it was Karnataka that shown keen interest in welcoming the new system.

After its implementation, over Rs 79,000 crore tax has been accumulated in Karnataka, Mr Patil explained.

Mr Patil said the Federation would discuss the issues regarding direct and indirect taxes with the Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram during his visit to Bangalore on December 20.

He further said he would also discuss about the special economic zone related matters with the Union Minister Kamalnath who would visit the capital city soon.

“We are much aware of the speed of development Mangalore is attaining. FKCCI would provide any help from its side for the traders, businessmen and industrialists of the region in this backdrop,” he assured.

Commercial Taxes (Mangalore) Joint Commissioner T C Manje Gowda, who was the guest of honour, said VAT would continue to exist until the GST was implemented.

The new tax system would be implemented at two levels- state and national, he said and added that the department was yet to receive further details regarding the system.

KCCI President Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, General Secretary Shekhar Poojary, office- bearers M Mohammed Bava and G G Mohandas Prabhu were present on the occasion.