Developing Countries Want Voices Heard on Global Tax

The OECD's global tax deal is approaching a milestone: The organization expects to see the release this summer of major remaining pieces of the agreement that have been under negotiation. But throughout the process, many developing countries have felt their concerns weren't sufficiently addressed, said Marlene Nembhard-Parker, a senior tax official in Jamaica who is also co-chair of the Inclusive Framework of 143 countries working on the global tax agreement. Meanwhile, the United Nations also has a new international tax effort in the works. That project isn't intended to duplicate or undermine the OECD's work, she said, but to "address the issues of legitimacy as to who is responsible for setting global tax rules." On this week's Talking Tax, Nembhard-Parker speaks about developing countries' perspective on the agenda and outcomes of the OECD and UN work, and why the commitment from governments to reach agreement on Pillar One creates a sense of "cautious optimism." Nembhard-Parker's remarks are part of a pre-recorded interview aired during the Bloomberg Tax Leadership Forum, held virtually Tuesday. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.