Fiji joins global tax alliance to curb evasion

Fiji has moved to strengthen tax transparency and clamp down on tax evasion and avoidance after signing a major international tax cooperation agreement.

The Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters (MAAC) was signed in Paris earlier this week by Minister for Finance, Commerce and Business Development Esrom Immanuel.

The convention is regarded as the world’s most comprehensive framework for international tax cooperation, allowing countries to share tax information automatically, on request and spontaneously. It also enables joint tax examinations and assistance in recovering unpaid taxes.

Mr Immanuel said the signing marked a significant milestone in Fiji’s engagement with the global tax community.

“This is a significant step forward for Fiji as it strengthens our cooperation with international partners and reinforces our commitment to transparency and fairness in the tax system,” he said.

He said the move also supported Fiji’s efforts to be removed from the European Union’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions, which would improve the country’s international standing and economic relationships.

Following the signing, Fiji will complete the necessary domestic processes to formally accede to the convention.

Once in force, the MAAC will provide Fiji with a single legal mechanism to exchange tax information with 151 other jurisdictions, including major global financial centres.

The agreement underpins Fiji’s commitment to implement the Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information (AEOI), supported by legislative changes and strict confidentiality safeguards.

Fiji Revenue and Customs Service chief executive officer Udit Singh said the convention strengthened Fiji’s ability to address offshore tax abuse.

“Joining the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters equips Fiji with the legal tools needed to effectively implement information exchange and combat tax evasion and avoidance,” Mr Singh said.

He said FRCS would continue working with the Global Forum and international partners to ensure full compliance with international standards, improve enforcement and enhance revenue collection.

The Government said Fiji remained committed to international tax cooperation and to building a transparent, credible and cooperative tax system, with the signing seen as a decisive step towards stronger global partnerships and improved economic outcomes.