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KATHMANDU: A regional technical workshop organized by the Addis Tax Initiatives (ATI) is currently underway in Nepal, bringing together 60 attendees, including tax administrators, experts, and representatives from development partners across 16 nations that are members of ATI. Hosted by the Inland Revenue Department and supported by the Council of Economic Policy and the German Institute for Development and Sustainability, the event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among ATI member nations.
The decision to hold the workshop in Kathmandu was made during the previous year's regional workshop in the Philippines. Dr. Ram Prasad Ghimire, Revenue Secretary, expressed optimism about the event's potential to address financial challenges encountered by ATI nations. He emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in tax administration to achieve inclusive and sustainable development goals and promote collaboration among member nations.
The workshop is envisioned to facilitate a collective approach in reviewing existing revenue mobilization and tax exemption policies, providing a roadmap for enhancing fiscal mobilization and promoting collaboration among ATI nations. The ATI, originating from the Third International Conference on Financing for Development in Addis Ababa in 2015, is dedicated to advancing equitable and efficient domestic revenue mobilization and strengthening the social contract through collaborative partnerships.
Alistair Lobo, speaking on behalf of the ADDIS Board of Directors, stressed the necessity of implementing a tax system supportive of member nations' sustainable development goals. He emphasized the importance of increasing tax expenditure transparency, reducing taxpayer burdens, and facilitating cost-benefit evaluations. The workshop aims to contribute to the development of fair and transparent tax systems and regional mechanisms while striving to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
UNDP Resident Representative for Nepal, Ayshanie Medagangoda-Labé, lauded the efforts of ATI nations towards SDG advancement and expressed optimism regarding the workshop's impact on financial mobilization efforts. Shiba Lal Tiwari, Department Director General, highlighted the workshop's potential to enhance Nepal's tax administration and share experiences with fellow member nations. Currently, ATI comprises 32 partner countries, 20 development partners, and 22 supporting organizations dedicated to advancing equitable and efficient domestic revenue mobilization and strengthening collaboration in achieving SDGs.
