Tax Conference - 2004

Post-event Statement

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Background

ADBI in partnership with ADB, the Ministry of Finance of Japan, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), are organizing the 14th Tax Conference on 12-15 October 2004 at ADBI premises in Tokyo.

Tax policy provides an important lever for government intervention in economic development. Taxation is an instrument with which a government mobilizes resources to promote economic growth and reduce poverty. Taxes provide key signals that affect resource allocation decisions. Tax policies are also an important instrument to promote the equitable distribution of income. Consequently, efficient tax policies lead to higher economic growth and promote greater equity.

There are two key emerging issues in international and national taxation—international tax treaties and value added tax/goods and services tax (VAT/GST)—that would greatly affect developing member countries(DMCs). With globalization of economic activities, cross-border transactions keep growing. An international tax treaty is the only tool that provides a legal framework for principles and rational allocation of taxing rights for such cross-border transactions between the parties concerned. Under the current circumstances many DMCs are facing (e.g. decline in customs duty revenues due to WTO commitments, necessity of broadening the tax base, shift from direct to indirect taxes), there is a growing trend to introduce various forms of VAT/GST in DMCs.

The conference offers:

• an opportunity for knowledge sharing through the exchange of best practices in international tax policy and administration, and
• a forum that will encourage mutual understanding and cooperation among tax policymakers and senior officials from developing member countries (DMCs) on emerging issues of taxation.

We expect participation from policy makers and administrators from 34 DMCs.

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Objectives

• Strengthen the capacity of tax officials who are involved in tax policy formulation and enforcement with an emphasis on putting concepts into practice.
• Provide tax policy makers and tax administrators with knowledge and administrative techniques necessary for modernizing tax system.
• Share experiences and good practices among tax administrators in Asia.

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Outputs

• About 35 well trained tax policy makers and administrations
• CD-ROM as a tool to disseminate the results and materials of the workshop
• Web posting of the workshop results
• Summary of workshop proceedings

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Participants

The middle and senior-level tax policymakers and administrators. Participants will be from the ADB’s developing member countries including Afghanistan; Bangladesh; Bhutan; Cambodia; People’s Republic of China; Cook Islands; Hong Kong, China; East Timor; Fiji; India; Indonesia; Kazakhstan; Republic of Korea; Kyrgyz Republic; Lao People's Democratic Republic; Malaysia; Maldives; Marshall Islands; Mongolia; Myanmar; Nauru; Nepal; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Samoa; Singapore; Sri Lanka; Taipei,China; Thailand; Tonga; Uzbekistan; Vanuatu; and Viet Nam.

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How to Apply

By invitation only

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Language

English (No interpretation will be provided)

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Responsibilities

Each participant is required to prepare and present a brief country report during the workshop.