International Tax Forum discusses innovative mechanisms to deal with global tax challenges and opportunities
12 February 2025
The Ministry of Finance (MoF) held today the International Tax Forum (ITF), as part of the World Government Summit 2025, which concludes on Thursday in Dubai, with the participation of a group of thought leaders, economic experts, government officials and representatives of companies from around the world.
The forum addressed a range of pivotal issues affecting the global tax landscape, with in-depth discussions on the OECD's Global Minimum Tax or Pillar II rules, highlighting the importance of these rules in addressing the challenges of base erosion and profit shifting, and ensuring that multinational companies are subject to minimum tax rates. Participants stressed that this reform not only contributes to enhancing tax justice but also plays a key role in supporting the stability of the global economy and achieving a balance between advanced and emerging economies.
The forum also discussed mechanisms for exchanging tax information and their role in combating tax evasion and enhancing transparency, noting that international cooperation in this field is a key pillar for building effective and sustainable tax systems. Discussions also touched on e-invoicing as a modern tool capable of improving the efficiency of tax systems and reducing administrative burdens on companies, thereby promoting the digital transformation of economies. Regarding the future of taxation, participants focused on the challenges posed by the digital economy, such as the emergence of new business models and the rise of e-commerce. Experts called for the need to develop innovative and proactive tax policies that keep pace with these transformations, while stressing the importance of cooperation between governments and the private sector to ensure the sustainability and simplicity of tax systems.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Younis Haji Al Khouri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Finance, said: "The ITF presented an opportunity to foster international dialogue on issues reshaping the global tax system. The organization of the forum comes at a time when the world is witnessing major transformations in the international tax system, these rapid economic transformations, and the growing digitization, pose unprecedented challenges and opportunities that require innovative responses and effective international cooperation."
"Among the most prominent initiatives leading global efforts to reform the international tax system and achieve tax justice is the OECD Global Minimum Tax or Pillar II reforms, which represents a pivotal step to ensure minimum taxes for multinational companies. In addition to such measures, the forum focused on other important and evolving tax issues, including the exchange of tax information, electronic invoicing mechanisms, and the future of taxes in light of digital transformations."
His Excellency the Undersecretary continued: "Today, we stand on the threshold of a new phase that requires a proactive vision capable of facing the challenges and opportunities posed by the digital economy. Hence, the objective of the forum was to discuss practical solutions and future policies that will ensure the sustainability of tax systems globally, and achieving this sustainability requires concerted efforts between governments, international institutions and the private sector."
