October 18, 2003	Saturday	Sha'aban 21, 1424

ISLAMABAD, Oct 17: Eleven Islamic countries including Pakistan have established an association of tax authorities for improvement of tax, zakat policies and administrations within the OIC member countries.

Member Direct Taxes, Vakil Ahmed Khan told reporters here on Friday that the association was launched by prime minister of Malaysia, Dr Mahatir Muhammad on Oct 15 in Kuala Lumpur.

The Association of Tax Authorities of Islamic Countries (ATAIC) has been established with the objective to facilitating the improvement of tax and zakat policies and administrations in all their aspects within OIC member countries in order to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

Elaborating the activities of the association, he said, it would hold meetings including an annual technical meeting related to tax/zakat issues for the exchange of ideas and experiences; organizing seminars, workshops and training courses on aspects of tax/zakat organization; collecting, analysing and disseminating information on tax/zakat issues.

The association would also keep abreast all member Islamic countries with development of tax and related regimes in non- Islamic countries as well as activities of regional tax associations.

Pakistan would enjoy the privilege of being one of the founder members of the association, he said and added as founder member Pakistan was instrumental in the formulation of guiding principles, which would determine the structure and the working of the organization in the years to come.

Mr. Khan said all the delegates were greatly impressed by the tax system of Pakistan and showed their keen interest in sharing Pakistan’s experience of tax administration and reforms.

The member said he had also visited the headquarter of Malaysian tax administration and discussed issues of common interests with his Malaysian counterpart.

Both the sides agreed for greater cooperation in the fields of tax and zakat administration. It was also agreed to share the training facilities for the training of tax administrations in both the countries, he added.