PARIS: Pakistan became a signatory to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters.
Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar signed the convention along with OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria in a dignified ceremony in Paris.
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OECD invitation to Pakistan to sign the convention was possible after a long process of over two years which included peer reviews and amendments in Pakistani domestic income tax laws to meet the requirements of OECD.
It demonstrates Pakistan’s strong commitment to adopt international best practices in the field of tax matters and join the multilateral fight against tax evasion through mutual, auto and spontaneous exchange of information.
The convention, which is currently signed by over 80 countries, would facilitate international cooperation on national tax laws and provide administrative cooperation among member countries to combat tax evasion.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar also held a bilateral meeting with the OECD secretary general to discuss ways and means to further strengthen the existing ties between Pakistan and the OECD. He conveyed Pakistan’s desire to become a key OECD partner country. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to cooperate with the OECD on all important areas of mutual interest.
He informed the secretary general about the various economic and fiscal reforms undertaken by the government to stabilize Pakistan’s economy, and the increased budgetary support for health and education sectors. He also invited Secretary General to visit Pakistan.
The secretary general congratulated the finance minister on historic signing of the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matter, and for his central role in economic turnaround in Pakistan in the last three years. He acknowledged that Pakistan has made great strides in economic field, which has deservedly received accolades from international financial institutions. He invited Pakistan to take part in various OECD global fora and meetings.
The OECD is an intergovernmental forum, which focuses on issues including trade, taxation, environment, technology and education. It has 35 member countries in Europe, Americas and Asia Pacific. Pakistan, though not a member of the OECD, has been regularly invited to participate in its various committee meetings.
