May 11-13, 2008
The Taj Mahal Hotel
Mansingh Road, New Delhi

The Asia Tax Forum raises the bar every year.  The forum in Delhi was attended by senior officials from 12 countries.   Participants from New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan attended the ATF for the first time.  There was healthy participation from the private sector especially from financial institutions, and manufacturers of products subject to the VAT and excise tax.   Faculty members from academic institutions added depth to the discussions.  The National Institute of Public Finance and Policy of India was a most efficient host and went out of its way from the very first day of the ATF. The staff members met the participants individually at the airport and served as gracious hosts during the inaugural dinner that was hosted by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).  The panel discussions were chaired by senior officials from the MOF.

"Tax Challenges Facing Developing Countries"

Richard M. Bird
Professor Emeritus of Economics
University of Toronto

Prof. Bird, in his usual simple, eloquent and perceptive ways, share his wealth of experience on how to help developing economies implement efficient tax systems. Prof. Bir says that there is no better way than helping them develop their human and institutional capacities. Click Studies and Downloads link and benefit from the wisdom of Dr. Bird, an institution in Public Finance, and a mentor of the Asia Tax Forum. 

 “The Economic Benefits of the Reduction in the Sales Tax on Soft Drinks in Egypt”

International Tax and Investment Center and Oxford Economics

The study finds out that a reduction in the tax on soft drinks in Egypt ultimately led to the benefit of government due to increased revenues from increased production and sales of the industry.

Hanoi, Vietnam, April 18 – 20, 2007 

Researches, Country Studies, Ideas and Fellowship

The Fourth Asia Tax Forum in Hanoi, Vietnam was a big success!  More than a hundred participants from government, the academe, and industry came to share researches, best practices, and developments on indirect taxation. Senior government officials, members of the academe, and industry leaders presented papers that reflected expertise and experience.  Nobody could believe that it was the first time for the Ministry of Finance of Vietnam to host a regional conference.  The preparations and the conduct of the forum were certainly world class. The attention to details and perfection by the Ministry officials and staff was impressive.