PARIS, May 22, 2013 (MAP)
Morocco joined on Tuesday the Organization of economic cooperation and development’s convention of mutual assistance in fiscal matters. A statement of the Moroccan embassy in Paris stresses that Morocco is "making a new step in its ambition to benefit from advantages of increased multilateral cooperation." This is a "new commitment" from Morocco to "build a more inclusive and fair society", the Moroccan statement adds, "renewing commitment to facilitate international cooperation and improve national fiscal legislation in the respect of tax-payers’ fundamental rights". The Convention facilitates international co-operation for a better operation of national tax laws, while respecting the fundamental rights of taxpayers. The amended Convention provides for all possible forms of administrative co-operation between states in the assessment and collection of taxes, in particular with a view to combating tax avoidance and evasion. This co-operation ranges from exchange of information, including automatic exchanges, to the recovery of foreign tax claims. It was developed jointly by the Council of Europe and the OECD in 1988, before a Protocol amending the Convention was opened to all countries in 2009. Over 60 countries have signed it. The Moroccan ambassador in Paris, Chakib Benmoussa, recalled during the signing ceremony Moroccan efforts to face challenges of macro-economic balances, public debt, and consolidation of the Moroccan economy competitiveness. He explained that reforms of the Moroccan taxation system is part of a model combining development, lasting public resources, efficiency and competitiveness in a way that secures quality services for citizens and economic operators while consolidating social solidarity and cohesion. The OECD secretary general noted that Morocco, which has adhered to several multilateral instruments of the organization, is also playing a leading role within the development center and contributing to the activities of several committees: territorial development, public governance, education and agriculture. He also pledged to intensify this cooperation and bring his support to the ongoing reforms in Morocco in order to achieve prosperous, inclusive and sustainable development.