Presidency welcomes statements from countries on better administrative cooperation between taxmen

Prague, March 18th, 2009

The Czech Presidency was pleased by the statements from several countries, e.g. Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Andorra, Singapore and Hong Kong, who in future will be more open in their fiscal policies regarding exchange of tax information.

We believe that this step is of extraordinary importance for the cooperation between the tax authorities. It also contributes significantly to the fight against tax evasion. At the same time it is an improvement of the administrative cooperation between the tax authorities in the EU internal market and in the foreseeable future it will allow us to reach the highest possible standard of cooperation and transparency in our relations with third countries.

One of the priorities of the Czech Presidency in the tax area is fighting tax evasion. Therefore, we put emphasis on all initiatives which could help reach this objective. We believe that these countries will continue on the path they have started and we are prepared to support them further.

Radka Kohutová,
Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Finance