The Head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, Rasha Abdel Aal, emphasized the importance of tax cooperation among BRICS countries, highlighting opportunities for exchanging expertise and benefiting from successful experiences and practices among member states. This statement was made at the conclusion of a three-day meeting of tax authorities and administrations of BRICS countries held in India from September 21 to 23. Egypt was represented by the Egyptian Tax Authority, alongside heads and representatives of tax authorities and administrations from member states.
The meeting's opening session featured remarks by Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who welcomed participating officials and stressed the importance of continued cooperation and exchange of expertise among BRICS countries. The goal is to develop tax administrations and enhance their ability to address various changes and challenges. Abdel Aal affirmed the Tax Authority's support for active participation in various initiatives and working groups under BRICS tax cooperation, as well as future work plans.
Abdel Aal's participation in the meetings was in implementation of Finance Minister Ahmed Kouchouk's directives to strengthen international tax cooperation, benefit from international best practices and experiences in developing Egypt's tax system, and enhance the capabilities of its personnel. The Egyptian Tax Authority is also willing to share Egyptian expertise in development and modernization with tax administrations of member states.
The meetings concluded with a final statement containing outcomes and future areas of work aimed at strengthening tax cooperation among BRICS countries. These included continuing work within the framework of governance and cooperation among heads of tax authorities and administrations, maintaining specialized working groups, and adopting their work plans for the next phase. This cooperation supports the exchange of expertise, capacity building, and the development of tax administration in member states.
The International Tax and Transfer Pricing Working Group was a key area of discussion, with Abdel Aal stating that the Egyptian Tax Authority encourages and supports cooperation in this area and is ready to share its expertise, particularly in transfer pricing. Egypt has become a partner tax administration providing support to other tax administrations through the "Tax Inspectors Without Borders" initiative, affirming the Egyptian Tax Authority's readiness to provide similar support to BRICS countries.
Capacity building and investment in human resources were among the key areas addressed in the final statement. Participants agreed to continue an annual in-person training and qualification program for tax officials from BRICS countries, hosted by India through the National Academy of Direct Taxes. This program provides opportunities to exchange technical and practical expertise and develop the skills of tax administration personnel in member states.
The final statement also provided for the launch of the BRICS Tax Mutual Learning Lab and the BRICS Tax Support Network. These initiatives aim to enhance cooperation among tax administrations, provide greater clarity to taxpayers and investors, and facilitate the exchange of relevant inquiries among member states. Abdel Aal highlighted the importance of these provisions, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening tax cooperation among BRICS countries based on knowledge and expertise exchange, capacity building, and the development of tools and mechanisms for joint work.
Key points
- Egypt seeks to strengthen tax cooperation with BRICS countries to exchange expertise and benefit from successful experiences.
