Global Forum and World Bank support Madagascar in implementing the international tax transparency standards

10/02/2020 – The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) and the World Bank carried out a technical assistance mission in Antananarivo on 20-24 January 2020 to assist Madagascar in the implementation of the international tax transparency standards.

During their visit Mrs. Aistizabal and Mrs. Cebreiro Gomez (World Bank) and Mr. Hamadi (Global Forum) met Mr. Randriamandrato, Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Rabarijohn, Governor of the Central Bank (BFM), Mr. Germain, Director General of Taxes, and other high-level officials, who confirmed their commitment to the international standards and their determination to ensure a rapid implementation of these standards in their country.

In addition, a sensitisation seminar was also held to raise awareness of 67 participants from various Government agencies and the private sector on the international standards of transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes and their implications and opportunities for Madagascar in the fight against tax evasion. The seminar was opened by Mr. Raoelijaona, General Secretary of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and Mrs. Uwanyiligira, Resident Representative of the World Bank.

Meeting with Mr. Germain, Director General of Taxes.

Madagascar, which joined the Global Forum in September 2017, will be reviewed against the standard of exchange of information upon request (EOIR) in 2022. Madagascar is benefitting from an induction programme, which is designed to help new members of the Global Forum ensure a smooth implementation of the international standards and benefit from exchange of information in their domestic revenue mobilisation efforts. This programme will enable Madagascar to prepare its EOIR peer review and also take steps towards the implementation of the automatic exchange of information standard. With the support provided, Madagascar has been invited to join the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters. Madagascar will also be assisted in training its auditors in the utilisation of exchange of information during tax audits.

The induction programme of Madagascar is supported by France and the World Bank Global Tax Program.

Opening of the seminar on the implementation of the international tax transparency standards, Antananarivo, 22 January 2020.

More information about the Global Forum and its technical assistance programme can be found on its website. The Global Forum aims to ensure that all jurisdictions adhere to the same high standard of tax transparency and exchange of information. This is done through a robust monitoring and peer review process, as well as by providing technical assistance to member countries.

For more information, please contact [email protected].