ADB Headquarters
Manila
Philippines
Description
Domestic resource mobilization (DRM) continues to be a major strategic priority for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and its developing member countries (DMC). It is now more important than ever for our developing member countries (DMCs) to address debt sustainability and to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Many developing countries are still dealing with high debt levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic which have been further exacerbated by the disruption in global supply chains caused by increasing geopolitical tensions. Many DMCs in the Asia Pacific region have a tax-to-GDP ratio below the 15% benchmark that is considered the minimum level needed to achieve sustainable growth. This region is falling short on all 17 SDGs. While the role of external finance is crucial in filling the fiscal gaps of DMCs, DRM (which is included as SDG Goal 17) is the indispensable foundation for achieving all the other SDGs and for supporting a strong, inclusive and green recovery.
International tax cooperation (ITC) can also play a key role in assisting DMCs to work together to close the tax loopholes exploited by aggressive tax planning and combat tax evasion. The consensus-based Two-Pillar solution to address tax challenges arising from digitalization of economy has great potential for helping DMCs collect additional revenue for building a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future. However, international cooperation on tax issues in this region is still lagging. The rate of participation in international tax initiatives such as the Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS IF) and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (Global Forum) shows room for improvement. The introduction of the Global Minimum Tax rules has significantly changed the landscape of tax incentives and developing countries are affected by these rules irrespective of participation levels.
ADB officially launched the Asia Pacific Tax Hub (APTH) at the 54th ADB Annual Meeting in 2021. The APTH serves as an open and inclusive platform for strategic policy dialogue, knowledge sharing, and development coordination among ADB, its member countries, and development partners. The APTH Secretariat organized the first High- Level Regional Tax Conference (HLRTC) that underscored the importance of DRM in achieving the SDGs and the core role of the APTH in the taxation agenda in Asia and the Pacific. Held in November 2021, the event brought together officials of tax policy and administration agencies from ADB members, senior representatives of development partners (IMF, OECD, and World Bank), ADB staff, and other stakeholders who presented their experiences and brainstormed in plenary and breakout sessions. This knowledge exchange on reform experiences highlighted the challenges governments face in domestic resource mobilization and identified the possible support needed for future tax system reforms.
Objectives
The High-Level Regional Tax Conference 2025 will serve as a platform for all stakeholders to conduct strategic dialogues on emerging and priority areas on domestic resource mobilization and international tax cooperation, and the latest updates from international tax fora; learn good practices in tax administration and effective strategies for tax reforms; and share country-specific experiences in strengthening the capacity of tax administration.
Target participants
The target audience would be heads of tax policy and administration agencies from ADB members. Senior representatives of development partners (IMF, OECD, and World Bank), ADB staff and other stakeholders will be invited to contribute to the technical sessions.
Event organizers / partners
Asia Pacific Tax Hub, ADB