10/12/2021 - The Tunisian Ministry of Finance, the OECD and the European Union (EU) have decided to extend their programme "Improving Domestic Resource Mobilisation through the Establishment of an Efficient Tax System and Enhanced Tax Transparency" and to expand it to new key areas of assistance including the implementation of the landmark agreement on international taxation (Pillar One and Pillar Two). This programme, initiated in 2019 and financed by the EU over a total period of five years, aims to assist Tunisia in the implementation of international tax standards, to improve its analytical capacity in tax policy, and to strengthen tax morale.

 

In 2012, Tunisia became a member of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which brings together 163 countries and jurisdictions on an equal footing to ensure the implementation of international standards of transparency and exchange of information in tax matters, which is a key element in the fight against illicit financial flows. Since 2014, Tunisia actively participates in the base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) project, alongside OECD and G20 member countries. In November 2017, Tunisia joined the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on BEPS which to date has 141 members participating on an equal footing in the development of standards regarding BEPS issues while ensuring their consistent implementation.

 

Sihem Boughdiri Nemsia, Minister of Finance of Tunisia, welcomed the fact that Tunisia continues to benefit from the OECD's assistance: "The co-operation on tax matters with the OECD has helped strengthen Tunisia's capacity to combat tax evasion and avoidance and to align with international tax standards and practices. We look forward to continuing this collaboration with the OECD to support the domestic resource mobilisation in Tunisia.”

 

"Our fruitful co-operation with Tunisia has already resulted in significant progress in the fight against tax fraud and evasion. I welcome Tunisia's active role in international tax co-operation and its adherence in October to the two-pillar international solution to the tax challenges raised by the globalisation and digitalisation of the economy", noted Pascal Saint-Amans, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration.

 

 “The EU is pleased to further deepen its support to tax administration reform in Tunisia through this project implemented by the OECD. The project supports Tunisia’s adherence to international tax standards, and Tunisia’s ability to use the opportunities offered by these international standards to fight tax avoidance and tax fraud”, added Marcus Cornaro, EU Ambassador.  

 

Media queries should be directed to Pascal Saint-Amans (+33 1 45 24 91 08), Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration (CTPA), to the CTPA Communications Office, or to Hichem Dhahri, Communications Unit of the EU delegation to Tunisia.