The High-Level Regional Tax Conference will be held from 4-6 November 2025 at ADB headquarters. This conference will serve as a platform for participants to conduct strategic dialogues on priority areas on domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation. Sharing the best practices across and beyond the region and discussing the global trend in tax administration and effective strategies for tax reforms. Over 120 senior tax policy and administration officials from ADB member countries and jurisdictions, as well as senior representatives from development partners, and other stakeholders are expected to attend the event.

AGENDA:

Day 1:

Day 1 offers a comprehensive exploration of key tax policy issues shaping the future of fiscal systems in Asia and the Pacific.

We begin with a focus on progressive tax policy and the evolving role of personal income tax, an area that remains both complex and essential for promoting equity in the region. Through engaging discussions, we examine how tax systems can be designed to better support fairness and inclusiveness.

As digital technologies reshape the global economy, VAT systems are undergoing significant transformation. Many jurisdictions are reforming their VAT regimes to effectively capture revenue from cross-border e-commerce, while the widespread adoption of e-invoicing is revolutionizing compliance management. A dedicated session will highlight current VAT trends and share valuable insights from recent reforms.

We will also delve into the emerging landscape of environmental and health taxes, which are becoming increasingly important for developing economies, not only as sources of revenue but also as tools to advance critical social and environmental goals.

Day 2:

Day 2 immerses you in the dynamic world of international taxation.

Over the past 15 years, international tax transparency has advanced significantly. We will explore how to further unleash its potential, focusing on strategies to strengthen the effectiveness of Exchange of Information (EoI), close existing loopholes, and respond to emerging risks such as digital assets, complex ownership structures, and cross-border tax avoidance schemes.

One of the most influential developments in today’s global tax landscape is the Global Anti-Base Erosion Rules (Pillar Two). A key impact for developing economies is the need to reassess their tax incentive regimes. This session will examine how countries can redesign their incentives to align with the new rules, finding the right balance between attracting investment and safeguarding revenue.

In addition to international tax topics, Day 2 will also delve into tax debt management, a rapidly growing area of interest, as well as tax expenditures and compliance gaps, long-standing challenges for many developing economies in Asia and the Pacific.

Day 3:

The final day features a half-day session focused on digital transformation and compliance management: two key priorities for modern tax administrations.

Digital transformation is one of the pillars for the Asia Pacific Tax Hub, as it is for many economies across the region. Building on ADB’s and the Asia-Pacific countries’ experience, we will examine how developing member countries can advance their digital transformation journeys steadily and sustainably. The discussion will highlight the critical enablers and foundational requirements needed to support this progress.

With limited resources, revenue authorities are increasingly adopting risk-based compliance management to better target high-risk taxpayers. However, successful implementation also requires promoting voluntary compliance across all segments of the taxpayer population. This session will explore practical strategies and international experiences, including from Asia-Pacific and Europe to support the design of compliance systems that are effective, fair, and resource-efficient.