Minister Hassan appeals for technical support in meeting with the Australian High Commissioner
October 19, 2021
The new High Commissioner of Australia to Seychelles, H.E Dr Kate O’Shaughnessy, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Finance, Economic Planning and Trade, Naadir Hassan, on Tuesday 19th October 2021.
Discussions focused on the upcoming COP 26 meeting in November to be held in Scotland, climate financing as well as capacity building.
As it has been the case recently in all of his courtesy calls, Minister Hassan is appealing for assistance in capacity building in the area of taxation.
“The country is embarking on a comprehensive tax reform and we lack the resources in this area.”
He has identified customs, compliance, transfer pricing, trade and taxation as priority areas.
“What is important is access to the skills and expertise, which we do not have and Australia has in the past assisted Seychelles, when it comes to our taxation system. I am appealing to Australia, to once again support us in our endeavour to modernise our tax system and build capacity of staff at SRC.”
High Commissioner O’Shaughnessy, has assured Minister Hassan of her country’s support in this area.
Australia has provided assistance to the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC).
The issue of aid to Seychelles was also discussed.
Minister Hassan noted that Seychelles no longer qualifies for assistance and cheap loans, because of its high-income status, which is based on GDP.
“Seychelles is advocating for a move away from the GDP classification. There is a need to have a closer look at the vulnerability index of small islands instead, because our resources are limited and climate change is already impacting on us, which will have adverse effect on our development.”
Dr. O’Shaughnessy has pledged her country’s support for small island states, saying the latter ‘face many vulnerabilities.’
Minister Hassan has welcomed the stance of Australia.
Below is a photo of the courtesy call between Minister Hassan and Dr. O'Shaughnessy.
http://www.finance.gov.sc/uploads/files/Minister%20Hassan%20meeting%20with%20Australian%20HC.jpg
