Oman Joins Global Forum Meeting on Tax Transparency in India

The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 18th meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, which was held in New Delhi, Republic of India. The event brought together international experts and officials who are working to improve transparency and strengthen cooperation in tax matters across the world.

Oman’s delegation to the meeting was led by Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, Chairman of the Tax Authority. His presence highlighted Oman’s commitment to developing an efficient and transparent tax system that aligns with global standards. The Global Forum is an important platform where member countries come together to share experiences, evaluate progress and discuss future strategies related to tax information exchange.

This year’s meeting saw wide participation, with nearly 400 representatives attending from 124 member states. In addition to the member nations, 12 observers and 7 invited organizations also took part. Representatives from civil society groups and academic institutions joined the discussions as well, reflecting the broad interest in strengthening international tax cooperation. Their participation helped enrich the dialogue by adding different perspectives on the importance of transparency and fair tax practices.

The meeting focused on several major topics related to the Forum’s strategic goals. One of the key areas discussed was the continuous monitoring and evaluation of how countries are applying international transparency standards. Member states reviewed the progress made and the challenges faced in ensuring that tax systems are clear, accountable and consistent with global expectations. Another significant topic was the peer-review process, which allows countries to assess each other’s performance and identify areas requiring improvement.

Participants also discussed how to measure the effectiveness of these standards when implemented in different jurisdictions. This evaluation process helps ensure that the exchange of information between countries is accurate, reliable and beneficial in preventing tax evasion and improving financial governance. The meeting further reviewed the Forum’s capacity-building programs and technical support offered to member states. These programs play an important role in helping countries strengthen their tax systems, train specialists and adopt advanced tools that support transparency.

One of the important moments during the meeting was the signing of an annex by Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi. The annex is related to the amendment of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), which is a global standard for the automatic exchange of financial information between countries. CRS helps governments track cross-border financial activities and ensures that individuals and institutions comply with tax rules.

By signing this annex, Oman reaffirmed its dedication to updating its regulatory frameworks and keeping pace with international changes in the tax sector. This step strengthens the country’s ability to exchange information more efficiently and supports its ongoing efforts to apply the highest levels of transparency in tax matters. It also demonstrates Oman’s willingness to cooperate with global partners and meet international obligations in a responsible and forward-looking manner.

The Global Forum meeting served as a valuable opportunity for Oman to engage with other nations, share knowledge and participate in discussions that shape the future of global tax transparency. As countries continue working together to create fairer and more transparent tax systems, Oman’s active participation reflects its commitment to international cooperation and sustainable economic development.