Tax avoidance and evasion have been threatening Government revenues with fewer resources for infrastructure and services, such as education and health, lowering standards of living. As a result a number of initiatives to tackle tax avoidance and evasion have been undertaken that benefit both developed and developing countries.

This event enabled the participants to differentiate tax avoidance from tax evasion. A set of measures on how to address tax avoidance and evasion was discussed, including exchange of information (automatic and on request) and the BEPS minimum standards. The Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance was also covered, as the main instrument allowing for international cooperation in tax matters. Confidentiality, as a key component to ensuring transparency was also discussed.