Colombia: IMF comments on fiscal policy
The IMF issued a press release on 29 May 2015 following the conclusion of discussions with Colombia under Article IV of its articles of association. Real GDP grew at a rate of 4.6% in 2014 but is expected to slow to 3.4% in 2015 owing to the
See MoreIndia: WTO conducts trade policy review
The World Trade Organization (WTO) is conducting a trade policy review of India on 2 and 4 June 2015. The report on India’s trade policy issued by the WTO before the review and published on its website indicates that trade liberalization has
See MoreIMF working paper looks at base erosion, profit shifting and developing countries
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has published on its website a working paper (No. 15/118) entitled “Base Erosion, Profit Shifting and Developing Countries”. Although the working paper does not necessarily represent the views of the IMF it
See MoreOECD Publishes Economic Survey of Slovenia for 2015
The OECD has published its Economic Survey of Slovenia for 2015. The survey notes that in pursuit of fiscal consolidation Slovenia has increased value added tax (VAT) and raised excise duties on alcohol, tobacco and fuel. The automatic indexation of
See MoreUK government proposes legislation to freeze income tax rate
On 27 May 2015 the UK government’s legislative program for 2015/16 was announced in the traditional Queen’s Speech at the opening of parliament. The program includes proposed legislation to prohibit increases in the rates of income tax,
See MoreZambia: IMF comments on fiscal policy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a press release on 22 May 2015 following discussions with Zambia under Article IV of its articles of association. Although Zambia has strong growth potential economic growth has slowed. Growth was down
See MoreEuropean Commission re-launches plan for common tax base in the EU
On 27 May 2015 the European Commission moved to re-launch the idea of a Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base (CCCTB) in the European Union (EU). This was announced after the College of Commissioners held an orientation debate on measures aimed to
See MorePhilippines: IMF comments on economic and fiscal policy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a statement at the conclusion of its discussions with the Philippines under Article IV of its articles of association. The economic outlook is favorable in spite of weaker global growth. Real GDP is
See MoreJapan: IMF comments on economic and fiscal position
The IMF has issued a concluding statement at the end of discussions with Japan under Article IV of its articles of association. The IMF report notes that the positive signs in the Japanese economy need to be built upon by working to end the
See MoreGreece: Finance Minister Announces Tax Amnesty Plans
The Finance Minister of Greece Mr. Yanis Varoufakis has announced his intention to introduce a bill to allow taxpayers to declare funds held abroad without incurring penalties. Any funds declared under the amnesty will be taxed at rates of 15 to 20
See MoreUK government considers changes to taxation of non-domiciled individuals
The second UK budget for 2015 planned for 8 July 2015 could include changes to the UK tax rules for non-domiciled individuals. Non-domiciled individuals can elect to pay UK income tax on the remittance basis so that UK tax is only paid on foreign
See MoreEU: Plans for digital single market published by European Commission
On 6 May 2015 the European Commission published a document entitled “A Digital Single Market Strategy for Europe” outlining a plan for coordinated action to take advantage of opportunities for innovation, growth and jobs brought about by the
See MoreFrance: IMF comments on fiscal policy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a concluding statement on 19 May 2015 following its regular discussions with France under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement. The IMF considers that although France is making a solid
See MoreCzech Republic: IMF comments on economic and fiscal position
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a press release on 20 May 2015 containing a concluding statement after a visit by staff to the Czech Republic for discussions under Article IV of its articles of association. The economy of the Czech
See MorePoland: IMF discusses economic and fiscal position
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a press release on 18 May 2015 containing the concluding statement at the end of discussions in Poland under Article IV of its articles of association. Poland’s economic growth reached 3.5% in the
See MoreUK: Government to deliver second budget for 2015
The UK government has indicated that a second set of budget proposals will be announced on 8 July 2015. This follows the recent election of 7 May 2015. The budget would clarify the expected government expenditure reductions and how they are to be
See MoreKyrgyz Republic: Memorandum sets out economic and financial policies for 2015 to 2018
In connection with a request for IMF support the Kyrgyz Republic has issued a memorandum setting out the economic and financial policies for 2015 to 2018. This includes the aim of reducing the operational balance by increasing tax revenues and
See MoreUganda: IMF holds discussions on economic and fiscal policy
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a press release on 14 May 2015 at the end of a visit to Uganda for discussions under Article IV of the IMF’s articles of agreement and in connection with the fourth Policy Support Instrument (PSI)
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