The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) held the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) minimum standards and two pillar solution  workshop for FRCS staff.

The OECD/G20 BEPS Project aims to create a single set of consensus-based international tax rules to address BEPS, and hence to protect tax bases while offering increased certainty and predictability to taxpayers.

Attended by auditors, technical analysts, policy officers, risk profilers, technical specialists, lawyers and managers from the operations, Intelligence, Compliance and Investigations, Corporate and Taxation team, the BEPS workshop mainly focused on the overview of the BEPS project and the BEPS Inclusive Framework , its objectives, role and governance. The workshop also highlighted the obligations and commitments associated with BEPS Inclusive Framework membership, as well as its benefits.

Discussions during the workshop also included the topics of harmful tax practices, description of the elements of Country- by- Country (CbC) reporting standards and the requirements to be met in order to start receiving CbC data, overviews of the two pillar solutions and peer reviews on harmful tax practices, CbC reporting and treaty abuse.

We would like to thank OECD Secretariat and the facilitators Ms. Melinda Brown and Ms. Laura Stefanelli for this workshop.

The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Fiji Ports Corporation Limited (FPCL) to establish a framework for collaboration and cooperation in delivery of services in Fiji within the vicinity of seaport entry.

Under the MOU both parties will consult and assist each other on sharing of relevant information and resources, develop and implement enforcement strategies and strengthen capacity building activities such as joint operations or training to ensure both parties are able to carry out their respective mandated and legislated functions and operations.

The FRCS will offer training sessions to FPCL officers covering taxation, customs, and border control matters. Additionally, it will collaborate with FPCL by exchanging pertinent customs border data, offering advice on the technical aspects of collaborative operations, and keeping FPCL informed about any updates or changes to FRCS policies or laws. In return, FPCL is tasked with sharing necessary information, such as vessel schedules and details of FPCL-owned facilities, essential for FRCS to fulfill its border-related duties effectively. FPCL is also committed to sustaining its support for FRCS in terms of fostering partnerships and maintaining business continuity.

The MOU was signed by FRCS Acting CEO Mr. Malakai Naiyaga and FPCL CEO Mr. Vajira Piyasena at the FRCS Headquarters in Nasese, Suva.

“Maritime transport accounts for almost 80% of the global trade volumes. Hence, maritime stakeholders, including FPCL are FRCS’s key strategic partners in border management. Strengthening cooperation between FRCS and FPCL will significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of both FRCS and FPCL in facilitating and controlling the transportation and movement of goods across borders which are critical to the development of our national economy and for economic growth,” Mr. Naiyaga said.

“Working together closely will enable FRCS and FPCL to ensure that necessary inspections and formalities are completed in a timely and efficient manner, and in protecting our major seaports from any breaches. Given the nature of our borders and resource challenges that we have, I cannot overstress the importance of effective collaboration amongst relevant agencies in our border protection. The signing of the MOU is a step forward towards that,” he stated.