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The objectives of the Project are to: (a) reduce education quality gaps in Costa Rica primary and secondary education system in rural areas; and (b) improve the equity and efficiency in the allocation, administration and use of the Borrower#s education sector resources.
Implementation has continued improving over the last 6 months: Component 1 (school infrastructure in rural indigenous areas) is well underway. Contracts worth about $10 million to build 58 new schools (47 primary and 11 secondary) have been completed With respect to Component 2, three key consultancies are in progress with the objective of improving the management of equity programs, the management of administrative school councils and the organizational model of the equity programs unit. Component 3 has started implementation recently with several consultancies, mainly related with inter-cultural education.
Costa Rica: Equity and Efficiency of Education
12 Haziran 2012 Salı
6 Haziran 2012 Çarşamba
What's the employment situation?
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION – SEPTEMBER 2010
Nonfarm payroll employment edged down (-95,000) in September, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 9.6 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Government employment declined (-159,000), reflecting both a drop in the number of temporary jobs for Census 2010 and job losses in local government.
Household Survey Data
The number of unemployed persons, at 14.8 million, was essentially unchanged in September, and the unemployment rate held at 9.6 percent. (See table A-1.)
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (9.8 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (26.0 percent), whites (8.7 percent), blacks (16.1 percent), and Hispanics (12.4 percent) showed little or no change in September. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.4 percent, not seasonally
adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)
The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over), at 6.1 million, was little changed over the month but was down by 640,000 since a series high of 6.8 million in May. In September, 1.7 percent of unemployed persons had been jobless for 27 weeks or more. (See table A-12.) In September, both the civilian labor force participation rate, at 64.7 percent, and the employmentpopulation
ratio, at 58.5 percent, were unchanged. (See table A-1.) The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary
part-time workers) rose by 612,000 over the month to 9.5 million.
Over the past 2 months, the number of such workers has increased by 943,000. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. (See table A-8.) About 2.5 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in September, up from 2.2 million a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months.
They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.)
Among the marginally attached, there were 1.2 million discouraged workers in September, an increase of 503,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.3
million persons marginally attached to the labor force had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.
La declaración de activos e ingresos, por parte de altos funcionarios públicos, reviste decisiva importancia para poner coto a la corrupción, según un nuevo estudio de la Iniciativa para la Recuperación de Activos Robados
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| Comunicado de prensa Nº:2012/360/FPD | ||
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| CIUDAD DE WASHINGTON, 28 de marzo de 2012. La declaración, por parte de altos funcionarios públicos, de sus ingresos, activos e intereses deberÃa ser preceptiva, para librar con éxito la lucha contra la corrupción, según un estudio dado a conocer en el dÃa de hoy por la Iniciativa para la Recuperación de Activos Robados emprendida por el Banco Mundial y la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito. En este primer estudio mundial sobre leyes y prácticas de declaración de información financiera, titulado “Public Office, Private Interests: Accountability through Income and Asset Disclosure”, se recomienda un renovado compromiso en materia de declaración de ingresos y activos, como disuasivo del uso de cargos públicos en provecho privado y para manejar conflictos de intereses —reales y aparentes— en el sector público. En él se concluye asimismo que los sistemas de declaración de activos son más eficaces si los infractores están directamente expuestos a un riesgo de detección y castigo por las transgresiones que cometan. “Los ciudadanos quieren que las autoridades actúen honestamente en relación con sus ingresos activos, como garantÃa de que no saqueen las arcas públicas o acumulen riquezas mal habidas”, señaló Jean Pesme, coordinador de Recuperación de Activos Robados, “lo que contribuye a crear un entorno de integridad y de confianza en los funcionarios públicos de alta jerarquÃa”. Casos recientes relacionados con sustracción en gran escala de activos han demostrado también que un eficaz sistema de declaración de ingresos y activos puede constituir un instrumento de decisiva importancia para que los paÃses detecten y recuperen esos activos. La Convención de las Naciones Unidas contra la Corrupción, que entró en vigencia en 2003 y ha sido objeto de ratificación o adhesión por 159 paÃses, insta a sus Estados partes a establecer eficaces sistemas de declaración de información financiera para altos funcionarios públicos, y a considerar la posibilidad de intercambiar la información consiguiente con autoridades competentes de otros Estados. En el estudio se procura llenar el vacÃo de implementación en esa esfera crÃtica de los requisitos de la Convención. Los temas que abarca son, entre otros, las arduas cuestiones que giran en torno a los objetivos y al alcance de los sistemas de declaración financiera preceptiva, los enfoques en materia de verificación, las sanciones y los mecanismos de aplicación coercitiva, y el tema, con frecuencia polémico, del acceso público a la información. En él se sostiene que las cuestiones de contexto son significativas, y se formulan recomendaciones prácticas sobre adaptación de los regÃmenes de declaración de ingresos y activos a los diferentes contextos nacionales. “Esperamos que este estudio crÃtico no sólo ayude a los gobiernos a diseñar y aplicar eficaces sistemas de declaración de ingresos y activos, sino que además incite a adoptarlos a responsables de polÃticas que puedan mostrarse reacios a crear o mejorar sistemas de ese género en sus paÃses. Debemos recordar también que tales sistemas no pueden funcionar aisladamente: deben formar parte del más amplio marco anticorrupción de un paÃs”, afirmóFrancesa Recanatini, especialista en Sector Público del Banco Mundial. El estudio se basó en análisis realizados por la iniciativa del Mecanismo de Responsabilidad Pública del Banco Mundial sobre las leyes de declaración vigentes en 88 paÃses y en 11 estudios de casos que se publicarán en un volumen complementario en el presente año. Para obtener acceso al informe, sÃrvase visitar www.worldbank.org/star Acerca de la Iniciativa para la Recuperación de Activos RobadosLa Iniciativa para la Recuperación de Activos Robados representa una alianza entre el Grupo del Banco Mundial y la Oficina de las Naciones Unidas contra la Droga y el Delito, que respalda programas internacionales tendientes a eliminar los refugios seguros para fondos provenientes de actos de corrupción. La iniciativa realiza una labor en común con paÃses en desarrollo y centros financieros con el fin de prevenir el lavado del producto de esos actos y facilitar una devolución más sistemática y oportuna de los activos robados. |
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Disclosure of Assets and Income by Public Officials Is Crucial to Curbing Corruption, Finds New StAR Study
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WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 -- Disclosure by public officials of their income, assets and interests should be mandated if the fight against corruption is to succeed, according to a study released today by the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative of the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The first global study of financial disclosure laws and practices, “Public Office, Private Interests: Accountability through Income and Asset Disclosure” calls for renewed commitment to income and asset disclosure to deter the use of public office for private gain and to help manage actual and apparent conflicts of interest in the public sector. The study also finds that asset disclosure systems are more effective when there is a credible threat that violations will be detected and punished.
“Citizens want officials to be honest about their income and assets, to ensure that they are not looting the public coffers or accumulating ill-gotten wealth,” said Jean Pesme, Stolen Asset Recovery Coordinator. “This helps build a climate of integrity and trust towards senior public officials.” Recent cases involving large-scale looting of assets have also shown that effective Income and Asset Declaration Systems can be a crucial tool for countries in detecting and recovering such assets.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which came into force in 2003 and has been ratified or acceded to by 159 countries, calls on its States Parties to establish effective financial disclosure systems for public officials, as well as to consider sharing resulting information with relevant authorities in other States. The study aims to close the implementation gap on this critical UNCAC requirement. Among the topics it addresses are the difficult questions around the objectives and scope of a financial disclosure requirement, approaches to verification, sanctions and enforcement, and the often controversial subject of public access to disclosure information. It also makes the case that context matters, and provides practical recommendations on tailoring income and asset disclosure regimes to different country contexts.
“We hope that this critical study will not only help governments design and implement effective income and asset declaration systems but also drive advocacy to challenge policy-makers who might be reluctant to create or improve disclosure systems in their countries. We also have to remember that income and asset disclosure systems cannot function in isolation and need to be part of a country’s broader anti-corruption framework,” saidFrancesa Recanatini, Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank.
The study is based on analysis by the World Bank’s Public Accountability Mechanism (PAM) initiative of disclosure laws in 88 countries and eleven case studies which will be published in a companion volume later this year.
To access the report, please visit www.worldbank.org/star
About StARThe Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) is a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds. StAR works with developing countries and financial centers to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and to facilitate more systematic and timely return of stolen assets.
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WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 -- Disclosure by public officials of their income, assets and interests should be mandated if the fight against corruption is to succeed, according to a study released today by the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative of the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
The first global study of financial disclosure laws and practices, “Public Office, Private Interests: Accountability through Income and Asset Disclosure” calls for renewed commitment to income and asset disclosure to deter the use of public office for private gain and to help manage actual and apparent conflicts of interest in the public sector. The study also finds that asset disclosure systems are more effective when there is a credible threat that violations will be detected and punished.
“Citizens want officials to be honest about their income and assets, to ensure that they are not looting the public coffers or accumulating ill-gotten wealth,” said Jean Pesme, Stolen Asset Recovery Coordinator. “This helps build a climate of integrity and trust towards senior public officials.” Recent cases involving large-scale looting of assets have also shown that effective Income and Asset Declaration Systems can be a crucial tool for countries in detecting and recovering such assets.
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which came into force in 2003 and has been ratified or acceded to by 159 countries, calls on its States Parties to establish effective financial disclosure systems for public officials, as well as to consider sharing resulting information with relevant authorities in other States. The study aims to close the implementation gap on this critical UNCAC requirement. Among the topics it addresses are the difficult questions around the objectives and scope of a financial disclosure requirement, approaches to verification, sanctions and enforcement, and the often controversial subject of public access to disclosure information. It also makes the case that context matters, and provides practical recommendations on tailoring income and asset disclosure regimes to different country contexts.
“We hope that this critical study will not only help governments design and implement effective income and asset declaration systems but also drive advocacy to challenge policy-makers who might be reluctant to create or improve disclosure systems in their countries. We also have to remember that income and asset disclosure systems cannot function in isolation and need to be part of a country’s broader anti-corruption framework,” saidFrancesa Recanatini, Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank.
The study is based on analysis by the World Bank’s Public Accountability Mechanism (PAM) initiative of disclosure laws in 88 countries and eleven case studies which will be published in a companion volume later this year.
To access the report, please visit www.worldbank.org/star
About StARThe Stolen Asset Recovery Initiative (StAR) is a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime that supports international efforts to end safe havens for corrupt funds. StAR works with developing countries and financial centers to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of corruption and to facilitate more systematic and timely return of stolen assets.
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Tax evasion: Pressure to end tax evasion grows as the Global Forum publishes new reviews
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05/04/2012 - The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes has just completed peer reviews of another 11 jurisdictions.
Reports on Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Malta,Mexico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Slovak Republic evaluate whether their national laws allow transparency and international exchange of tax information (Phase 1). The review of Korea also looked at the effectiveness of Korea’s exchange of information in practice (Phase 1 plus Phase 2). These reports bring to a total of 70 the number of peer review the Global Forum has completed since March 2010.
The Global Forum also issued 3 supplementary reports - for Barbados, Bermuda and Qatar – which assess the whether these jurisdictions have acted upon the Forum’s recommendations to improve agreements and legislation. All three jurisdictions’ compliance with the international standards has progressing significantly. The Phase 2 reviews for Bermuda and Qatar will take place in the second half of 2012 and for Barbados in the first half of 2013.
These in depth reviews identify deficiencies and make recommendations on how the jurisdictions should address these concerns. The legal and regulatory framework is improving quickly in many jurisdictions. Previously, 11 jurisdictions were not able to move to the second phase in the review process. As a result of work by Barbados to establish a network of international agreements to underpin information exchange in tax matters, Barbados can now move to its Phase 2 review.
The reports of Costa Rica and Guatemala, however, conclude that they will not yet move to the next stage of the review process because the deficiencies in their legal frameworks are serious. This will be reconsidered once reports on their progress are received.
Outcomes of the 14 Reports
Report on the legal framework and on its application (Phase 1 and 2)
Korea: Korea has long been negotiating tax treaties and now has an extensive network of bilateral agreements that provide for exchange of information (EOI) in tax matters with 86 jurisdictions. Korea’s legal framework ensures the availability of banking information as well as ownership and accounting information for companies, partnerships and trusts, although improvements are needed for information pertaining to holders of bearer shares. Korea’s network of EOI agreements, as well as its tax authorities’ broad powers to gather information, ensure effective exchange of information with a large number of jurisdictions. The report also highlights steps taken by Korea over the last two years which have lead to measurable improvements in Korea’s capacities to answer incoming requests received from other jurisdictions in a timely manner. See the EOI Portal page for Korea: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/KR.
Reports on the legal framework (Phase 1)
Brazil: The legal and regulatory framework for the exchange of tax information in Brazil is in place. Brazil has a network of EOI agreements with 34 jurisdictions, but some gaps remain with regards to older treaties due to restrictions in the conventions, combined or not with restrictions in its treaty partners’ domestic laws. The review recommends that Brazil move more quickly from signing EOI agreements to bringing them into force, speeding up the process which at present can take up to 2 years. Brazil also signed the multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters during the G20 Summit in November 2011, confirming its commitment to the internationally agreed standard. Brazil’s response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Brazil which is scheduled for the first half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Brazil: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BR.
Chile: The legal and regulatory framework for the availability of information in Chile is in place to a large extent. Though some procedural aspects need improvement, legislation passed in 2009 allows full exchange of bank information so Chilean tax authorities have access powers to all relevant information. Chile has a network of agreements that provide for exchange of information in tax matters to 27 partner jurisdictions of which 25 meet the standard. Chile also continues negotiating new DTCs and recently started negotiating TIEAs. Chile’s response to the recommendations in this report, as well as the application of the legal framework to the practices of its competent authority will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Chile, which is scheduled for the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Chile: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CL.
Costa Rica: Though Costa Rica has signed 13 new TIEAs and a Mutual Convention is in effect with Guatemala and Honduras, it’s domestic laws might hamper effective exchange of information. In particular, ownership and accounting information related to companies, partnerships and trusts is not always available and the tax administration has insufficient powers to access information requested by foreign counterparts. As none of Costa Rica’s EOI agreements therefore meet global standards and a number of elements crucial to effective exchange of information are not yet in place, Costa Rica will not move to a Phase 2 Review until it acts on the recommendations made in this review. Costa Rica will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for Costa Rica:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CR.
Cyprus: Cyprus has a network of DTCs covering 44 jurisdictions and it also exchanges tax information with other EU members. Its DTCs generally contain provisions which allow Cyprus to exchange all foreseeably relevant information. However, deficiencies have been identified regarding the availability of ownership and accounting information, and the review recommends changes to address these. The report also recommends improvements in the EOI network to ensure Cyprus has agreements to the standard with all relevant partners and will enact appropriate legislation to give effect to these agreements in all cases. Cyprus’ response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework and the implementation of the international standard in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 review of Cyprus, which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Cyprus:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CY.
Czech Republic: Almost all the Czech Republic’s large network of 87 agreements are in force and in line with the international standard. In addition, it exchanges tax information with other EU members under EU instruments. Some gaps exist however with regards to the availability of ownership information on foreign companies in the Czech Republic. More significantly, there is insufficient information on the owners of bearer shares issued by public limited companies. The Czech Republic’s response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework and the implementation of the international standard in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 review of the Czech Republic, which is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2013. The Czech Republic will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for the Czech Republic http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CZ.
Guatemala: Guatemala is party to a Multilateral Convention which provides for exchange of information on request in tax matters between Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras and it is in the process of negotiating agreements with 15 other jurisdictions. However, due to restrictions in Guatemala’s domestic law, it has no agreements that provide for effective exchange of information with its partners. The tax authority does not have adequate powers to access information and ownership information is not always available for foreign companies, foreign partnerships or foreign trusts active in Guatemala. As a number of elements which are crucial to achieving effective exchange of information are not in place, Guatemala will not move to a Phase 2 Review until it has acted on the recommendations made in this review. Guatemala will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for Guatemala: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/GT.
Malta: The legal and regulatory framework for exchange of information in Malta is in place. Ownership and identity information, as well as accounting information, is maintained by entities in line with the international standard. In addition, a lot of information must be filed with the government authorities, in particular the tax authorities and the commercial register. Full banking information is available in Malta, including records of all transactions. Malta has committed to the international standards of transparency and effective exchange of information. It has a broad network of 66 treaties, almost all of which conform to the international standard, and continues to expand its network of agreements. Malta’s response to recommendations made in its review as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled for the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Malta:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/MT.
Mexico: Mexico has signed DTCs and TIEAs with 60 jurisdictions, the large majority of which are currently in force and allow Mexico to exchange information in line with the international standard. Mexico is in advanced stages of negotiation of DTCs and TIEAs with further jurisdictions, mostly Global Forum members, including OECD and G20 members. Mexico has a strong legal framework which ensures the availability of banking information as well as ownership and accounting information for companies and partnerships, though information is not always available for those foreign trusts which are administered in Mexico or in respect of which a trustee is resident in Mexico. Mexico’s response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Mexico, which is scheduled for the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Mexico: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/MX.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The legal and regulatory framework for transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes is largely in place for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with regard to the availability of ownership and bank information and authorities have the power to access such information. It has also built up a good network of EOI agreements and can currently exchange information with 22 relevant partners. The review notes one main deficiency - the unavailability of accounting information for international business companies. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in its Phase 2 Peer Review, which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/VC.
Slovak Republic: The Slovak Republic has a well developed legal framework for exchange of information for tax purposes. It has also built up an extensive network of EOI agreements, most of which are in line with the international standard, allowing it to exchange information with 62 jurisdictions. The review’s key concerns relate to the unavailability of ownership and accounting information for foreign trusts with Slovak-resident trustees and the wide scope of professional privilege for tax advisors and lawyers which may limit the tax administration’s access to needed information. The Slovak Republic’s response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in its Phase 2 Peer Review, which is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for the Slovak Republic: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/SK.
Supplementary Reports
Barbados: This supplementary report assesses the new exchange of information instruments signed by Barbados since its Phase 1 review report. As of January 2012, Barbados has EOI instruments with 37 partners, of which 16 meet the standard and another 9 will meet the standard once in force. Barbados also signed a protocol to its DTC with Canada in November 2011. Thus, Barbados now has EOI instruments to the standard with both of its prominent EOI partners and it continues to develop its exchange of information network. Given the progress made by Barbados since October 2010 to its legal and regulatory framework for transparency and exchange of information, in particular in respect of the elements that were found to be “not in place”, the Phase 2 review of Barbados will take place, in accordance with the schedule of reviews adopted by the Global Forum, during the first half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Barbados:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BB.
Bermuda: This report assesses the new exchange of information instruments signed by Bermuda as well as steps it has taken to clarify existing agreements and some legislative amendments. As of January 2012, Bermuda has 30 EOI agreements, 20 of which are in force, the large majority of which are in line with the international standard. Bermuda has passed legislation to ensure that search and seizure powers are available to obtain information requested by its EOI partners. Bermuda is encouraged to continue to review and update its legal and regulatory framework in line with the remaining recommendations made in the 2010 Report, particularly as concerns the availability of ownership and accounting information. All further developments in the legal and regulatory framework, as well as the application of its framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Bermuda: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BM.
Qatar: Qatar’s authorities have responded to the recommendations of the Phase 1 report by clarifying their access powers through a new regulation to the tax law and by providing a legal opinion from the QFC authority regarding the scope of their trust laws. Consequently, the recommendations made in the Phase 1 report are considered to be addressed in their entirety. As the only concerns with Qatar’s EOI agreements arose from this access powers issue, Qatar is now considered to have EOI agreements which provide for international exchange of information in line with the international standard. Since the Phase 1 report was prepared, Qatar has signed 7 double tax agreements and one protocol to one of its existing agreements. Any further developments in the legal and regulatory framework, as well as the application of its framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled for the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Qatar: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/QA.
More information about the Global Forum:
Reports on Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Guatemala, Malta,Mexico, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the Slovak Republic evaluate whether their national laws allow transparency and international exchange of tax information (Phase 1). The review of Korea also looked at the effectiveness of Korea’s exchange of information in practice (Phase 1 plus Phase 2). These reports bring to a total of 70 the number of peer review the Global Forum has completed since March 2010.
The Global Forum also issued 3 supplementary reports - for Barbados, Bermuda and Qatar – which assess the whether these jurisdictions have acted upon the Forum’s recommendations to improve agreements and legislation. All three jurisdictions’ compliance with the international standards has progressing significantly. The Phase 2 reviews for Bermuda and Qatar will take place in the second half of 2012 and for Barbados in the first half of 2013.
These in depth reviews identify deficiencies and make recommendations on how the jurisdictions should address these concerns. The legal and regulatory framework is improving quickly in many jurisdictions. Previously, 11 jurisdictions were not able to move to the second phase in the review process. As a result of work by Barbados to establish a network of international agreements to underpin information exchange in tax matters, Barbados can now move to its Phase 2 review.
The reports of Costa Rica and Guatemala, however, conclude that they will not yet move to the next stage of the review process because the deficiencies in their legal frameworks are serious. This will be reconsidered once reports on their progress are received.
Outcomes of the 14 Reports
Report on the legal framework and on its application (Phase 1 and 2)
Korea: Korea has long been negotiating tax treaties and now has an extensive network of bilateral agreements that provide for exchange of information (EOI) in tax matters with 86 jurisdictions. Korea’s legal framework ensures the availability of banking information as well as ownership and accounting information for companies, partnerships and trusts, although improvements are needed for information pertaining to holders of bearer shares. Korea’s network of EOI agreements, as well as its tax authorities’ broad powers to gather information, ensure effective exchange of information with a large number of jurisdictions. The report also highlights steps taken by Korea over the last two years which have lead to measurable improvements in Korea’s capacities to answer incoming requests received from other jurisdictions in a timely manner. See the EOI Portal page for Korea: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/KR.
Reports on the legal framework (Phase 1)
Brazil: The legal and regulatory framework for the exchange of tax information in Brazil is in place. Brazil has a network of EOI agreements with 34 jurisdictions, but some gaps remain with regards to older treaties due to restrictions in the conventions, combined or not with restrictions in its treaty partners’ domestic laws. The review recommends that Brazil move more quickly from signing EOI agreements to bringing them into force, speeding up the process which at present can take up to 2 years. Brazil also signed the multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters during the G20 Summit in November 2011, confirming its commitment to the internationally agreed standard. Brazil’s response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Brazil which is scheduled for the first half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Brazil: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BR.
Chile: The legal and regulatory framework for the availability of information in Chile is in place to a large extent. Though some procedural aspects need improvement, legislation passed in 2009 allows full exchange of bank information so Chilean tax authorities have access powers to all relevant information. Chile has a network of agreements that provide for exchange of information in tax matters to 27 partner jurisdictions of which 25 meet the standard. Chile also continues negotiating new DTCs and recently started negotiating TIEAs. Chile’s response to the recommendations in this report, as well as the application of the legal framework to the practices of its competent authority will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Chile, which is scheduled for the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Chile: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CL.
Costa Rica: Though Costa Rica has signed 13 new TIEAs and a Mutual Convention is in effect with Guatemala and Honduras, it’s domestic laws might hamper effective exchange of information. In particular, ownership and accounting information related to companies, partnerships and trusts is not always available and the tax administration has insufficient powers to access information requested by foreign counterparts. As none of Costa Rica’s EOI agreements therefore meet global standards and a number of elements crucial to effective exchange of information are not yet in place, Costa Rica will not move to a Phase 2 Review until it acts on the recommendations made in this review. Costa Rica will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for Costa Rica:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CR.
Cyprus: Cyprus has a network of DTCs covering 44 jurisdictions and it also exchanges tax information with other EU members. Its DTCs generally contain provisions which allow Cyprus to exchange all foreseeably relevant information. However, deficiencies have been identified regarding the availability of ownership and accounting information, and the review recommends changes to address these. The report also recommends improvements in the EOI network to ensure Cyprus has agreements to the standard with all relevant partners and will enact appropriate legislation to give effect to these agreements in all cases. Cyprus’ response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework and the implementation of the international standard in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 review of Cyprus, which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Cyprus:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CY.
Czech Republic: Almost all the Czech Republic’s large network of 87 agreements are in force and in line with the international standard. In addition, it exchanges tax information with other EU members under EU instruments. Some gaps exist however with regards to the availability of ownership information on foreign companies in the Czech Republic. More significantly, there is insufficient information on the owners of bearer shares issued by public limited companies. The Czech Republic’s response to the recommendations made in this review, as well as the application of the legal framework and the implementation of the international standard in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 review of the Czech Republic, which is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2013. The Czech Republic will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for the Czech Republic http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/CZ.
Guatemala: Guatemala is party to a Multilateral Convention which provides for exchange of information on request in tax matters between Guatemala, Costa Rica and Honduras and it is in the process of negotiating agreements with 15 other jurisdictions. However, due to restrictions in Guatemala’s domestic law, it has no agreements that provide for effective exchange of information with its partners. The tax authority does not have adequate powers to access information and ownership information is not always available for foreign companies, foreign partnerships or foreign trusts active in Guatemala. As a number of elements which are crucial to achieving effective exchange of information are not in place, Guatemala will not move to a Phase 2 Review until it has acted on the recommendations made in this review. Guatemala will report back on the steps taken to address the recommendations made in this review within 6 months. See the EOI Portal page for Guatemala: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/GT.
Malta: The legal and regulatory framework for exchange of information in Malta is in place. Ownership and identity information, as well as accounting information, is maintained by entities in line with the international standard. In addition, a lot of information must be filed with the government authorities, in particular the tax authorities and the commercial register. Full banking information is available in Malta, including records of all transactions. Malta has committed to the international standards of transparency and effective exchange of information. It has a broad network of 66 treaties, almost all of which conform to the international standard, and continues to expand its network of agreements. Malta’s response to recommendations made in its review as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled for the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Malta:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/MT.
Mexico: Mexico has signed DTCs and TIEAs with 60 jurisdictions, the large majority of which are currently in force and allow Mexico to exchange information in line with the international standard. Mexico is in advanced stages of negotiation of DTCs and TIEAs with further jurisdictions, mostly Global Forum members, including OECD and G20 members. Mexico has a strong legal framework which ensures the availability of banking information as well as ownership and accounting information for companies and partnerships, though information is not always available for those foreign trusts which are administered in Mexico or in respect of which a trustee is resident in Mexico. Mexico’s response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review of Mexico, which is scheduled for the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Mexico: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/MX.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: The legal and regulatory framework for transparency and exchange of information for tax purposes is largely in place for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines with regard to the availability of ownership and bank information and authorities have the power to access such information. It has also built up a good network of EOI agreements and can currently exchange information with 22 relevant partners. The review notes one main deficiency - the unavailability of accounting information for international business companies. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in its Phase 2 Peer Review, which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/VC.
Slovak Republic: The Slovak Republic has a well developed legal framework for exchange of information for tax purposes. It has also built up an extensive network of EOI agreements, most of which are in line with the international standard, allowing it to exchange information with 62 jurisdictions. The review’s key concerns relate to the unavailability of ownership and accounting information for foreign trusts with Slovak-resident trustees and the wide scope of professional privilege for tax advisors and lawyers which may limit the tax administration’s access to needed information. The Slovak Republic’s response to the recommendations made in its review, as well as the application of its legal framework in practice, will be considered in detail in its Phase 2 Peer Review, which is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for the Slovak Republic: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/SK.
Supplementary Reports
Barbados: This supplementary report assesses the new exchange of information instruments signed by Barbados since its Phase 1 review report. As of January 2012, Barbados has EOI instruments with 37 partners, of which 16 meet the standard and another 9 will meet the standard once in force. Barbados also signed a protocol to its DTC with Canada in November 2011. Thus, Barbados now has EOI instruments to the standard with both of its prominent EOI partners and it continues to develop its exchange of information network. Given the progress made by Barbados since October 2010 to its legal and regulatory framework for transparency and exchange of information, in particular in respect of the elements that were found to be “not in place”, the Phase 2 review of Barbados will take place, in accordance with the schedule of reviews adopted by the Global Forum, during the first half of 2013. See the EOI Portal page for Barbados:http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BB.
Bermuda: This report assesses the new exchange of information instruments signed by Bermuda as well as steps it has taken to clarify existing agreements and some legislative amendments. As of January 2012, Bermuda has 30 EOI agreements, 20 of which are in force, the large majority of which are in line with the international standard. Bermuda has passed legislation to ensure that search and seizure powers are available to obtain information requested by its EOI partners. Bermuda is encouraged to continue to review and update its legal and regulatory framework in line with the remaining recommendations made in the 2010 Report, particularly as concerns the availability of ownership and accounting information. All further developments in the legal and regulatory framework, as well as the application of its framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Bermuda: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/BM.
Qatar: Qatar’s authorities have responded to the recommendations of the Phase 1 report by clarifying their access powers through a new regulation to the tax law and by providing a legal opinion from the QFC authority regarding the scope of their trust laws. Consequently, the recommendations made in the Phase 1 report are considered to be addressed in their entirety. As the only concerns with Qatar’s EOI agreements arose from this access powers issue, Qatar is now considered to have EOI agreements which provide for international exchange of information in line with the international standard. Since the Phase 1 report was prepared, Qatar has signed 7 double tax agreements and one protocol to one of its existing agreements. Any further developments in the legal and regulatory framework, as well as the application of its framework in practice, will be considered in detail in the Phase 2 Peer Review which is scheduled for the second half of 2012. See the EOI Portal page for Qatar: http://www.eoi-tax.org/jurisdictions/QA.
More information about the Global Forum:
- Background Information Brief for Journalists
- Website of the Global Forum: www.oecd.org/tax/transparency
- Exchange of Information Portal: www.eoi-tax.org –
National Global Change Research Plan 2012-2021: A Strategic Plan for the U. S. Global Change Research Program
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The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) is pleased to release the new National Global Change Research Plan 2012-2021: A Strategic Plan for the U. S. Global Change Research Program. The creation of this plan is mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990 (GCRA, P.L. 101-606); it will serve as the guiding document for USGCRP for the next decade. The Plan is built around four strategic goals: Advance Science, Inform Decisions, Conduct Sustained Assessments, and Communicate and Educate. In addition to these four goals, the Plan emphasizes the importance of national and international partnerships that leverage Federal investments and provide for the widest use of Program results. The Plan builds on the Program’s strengths in integrated observations, modeling, and information services for science that serves societal needs.
As mandated by Congress, the USGCRP develops a new Strategic Plan every ten years that must “provide for [the] development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated United States Research Program which will assist the Nation and the world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global change.” The Plan will be implemented through the next decade by the collective efforts of 13 U.S. government agencies that collaboratively help the Nation better understand global change and its impacts.This 2012-2021 Strategic Plan builds on past USGCRP Strategic Plans and the accomplishments of the USGCRP, and recognizes that effective response to global change requires a strong scientific foundation. The Plan continues to encompass both the fundamental research that improves understanding, as well as the research necessary to inform responses to climate and global change.Even more strongly than in the past, the 2012 -2021 Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives require coordination across the diverse capabilities and missions of its Federal agency members, as well as the inclusion of other parts of the Federal government, traditionally outside of the core of USGCRP. This need reflects the more interdisciplinary focus of this Strategic Plan and its emphasis on integration across:• The various components of the Earth system, including the human component
• Observations and modeling
• Space and time
• Scientific disciplines, including physical, biological, social and behavioral sciences
• Domestic and international partnerships
• The intersection of stakeholder needs with research capabilities
In accordance with the GCRA, the Plan was developed by a team of over 100 Federal scientists in collaboration with the USGCRP leadership. The team drew on the advice of the National Academies and feedback from public sessions with stakeholder groups. It was revised in light of public comments, and in response to reviews by the USGCRP, CENRS member agencies, and the National Research Council. To view the Federal Register Notice on public comments regarding the Strategic Plan, click here.Going forward, this Strategic Plan will be the foundation for the USGCRP as it continues in its role of coordinating research necessary for science and decision support while developing partnerships, and providing information and tools to facilitate the relevancy and utilization of global change science.Click here to view/print a two-page fact sheet about the USGCRP Strategic Plan.![alt]()
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Strategic Planning
As mandated by Congress, the USGCRP develops a new Strategic Plan every ten years that must “provide for [the] development and coordination of a comprehensive and integrated United States Research Program which will assist the Nation and the world to understand, assess, predict, and respond to human-induced and natural processes of global change.” The Plan will be implemented through the next decade by the collective efforts of 13 U.S. government agencies that collaboratively help the Nation better understand global change and its impacts.This 2012-2021 Strategic Plan builds on past USGCRP Strategic Plans and the accomplishments of the USGCRP, and recognizes that effective response to global change requires a strong scientific foundation. The Plan continues to encompass both the fundamental research that improves understanding, as well as the research necessary to inform responses to climate and global change.Even more strongly than in the past, the 2012 -2021 Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives require coordination across the diverse capabilities and missions of its Federal agency members, as well as the inclusion of other parts of the Federal government, traditionally outside of the core of USGCRP. This need reflects the more interdisciplinary focus of this Strategic Plan and its emphasis on integration across:• The various components of the Earth system, including the human component• Observations and modeling
• Space and time
• Scientific disciplines, including physical, biological, social and behavioral sciences
• Domestic and international partnerships
• The intersection of stakeholder needs with research capabilities
In accordance with the GCRA, the Plan was developed by a team of over 100 Federal scientists in collaboration with the USGCRP leadership. The team drew on the advice of the National Academies and feedback from public sessions with stakeholder groups. It was revised in light of public comments, and in response to reviews by the USGCRP, CENRS member agencies, and the National Research Council. To view the Federal Register Notice on public comments regarding the Strategic Plan, click here.Going forward, this Strategic Plan will be the foundation for the USGCRP as it continues in its role of coordinating research necessary for science and decision support while developing partnerships, and providing information and tools to facilitate the relevancy and utilization of global change science.Click here to view/print a two-page fact sheet about the USGCRP Strategic Plan.Strategic Planning
30 Mayıs 2012 Çarşamba
Time Magazine thinks that extended unemployment benefits may increase joblessness
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According to a recent story in Time Magazine, there is "a Limit to Compassion". The article figures that with extending the unemployment benefits for up to 99 weeks, congress and the president actually provides the jobless incentive to wait around for jobs---not taking low-paying jobs or a position that would require you to relocate.
Because there's evidence that the extensions are only prolonging joblessness. Today's unemployment rate remains high not because of mass layoffs — most of which happened early last year — but mainly because more people are remaining unemployed for longer periods. In academic parlance, the "exit rate" from the unemployment pool is only around 21%, compared with 34% during the last harsh recession, in 1982.
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