The General Tax Authority (GTA), represented by its President, His Excellency ‎Ahmed bin Eisa Al-Mohannadi, participated in the 16th Organisation for Economic ‎Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum Plenary Meeting on ‎Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes. The meeting, held in Lisbon, Portugal, from November 27 to December 1, 2023, brought together representatives from 168 countries, including Qatar, and over 23 international organizations as observers. The meeting focused on recent developments in information exchange projects and the commitment of member States to enhancing international cooperation to combat tax evasion. Participants also discussed monitoring the implementation of recommendations among member States and mechanisms for improving tax transparency. Addressing key themes such as global transparency, tax reporting, and digital ‎transformation in the tax field, the meeting served as a platform for the exchange ‎of experiences and successful practices among representatives of tax authorities ‎from various countries. The primary goal was to generate actionable possibilities ‎for the effective management of tax policies across diverse government domains. ‎Additionally, the meeting sought to expand the sharing and implementation of the ‎best practices in this field. The meeting also touched on the most prominent challenges and opportunities ‎that digital transformation provides for tax authorities, and the various measures ‎taken by tax agencies to achieve positive cooperation between all stakeholders ‎were compared and analysed. Emphasising the importance of ongoing ‎transparent information collaboration among tax authorities worldwide, ‎participants underscored the key role such cooperation plays in enhancing the ‎efficiency of tax management, combatting tax evasion, and safeguarding national ‎economies. The participants agreed upon multiple recommendations aimed at enhancing ‎international cooperation in transparency and information exchange for tax ‎purposes. These recommendations principally center around the creation of an ‎integrated framework that streamlines information exchange between countries ‎and jurisdictions at different levels. This framework is envisioned to conform to ‎international standards and principles, which ensure respect for the rights of ‎taxpayers and protect the privacy of their data.‎ As part of its mandate to represent the State of Qatar in tax-related regional and ‎international organisations and conferences, the General Tax Authority is keen to ‎participate in international tax forums and events to enhance international ‎cooperation in this field and achieve its strategic objectives in combating tax ‎evasion and promoting tax equality. ‎ This participation also highlights the close and fruitful cooperation between the ‎OECD and the General Tax Authority, which is dedicated to establishing a fair ‎and transparent tax environment that enhances the State of Qatar’s appeal as a ‎destination for global investments and improve its business environment.‎ Qatar was among the first countries to join the OECD Global Forum in 2010, demonstrating its commitment to promoting transparency in tax matters. The Forum plays a key role in monitoring electronic systems for exchanging information and assessing the relevant legislations. It also evaluates policies, laws, company registration systems, information confidentiality controls, and anti-money laundering regulations. It is worth noting that the OECD Global Forum has applauded Qatar's robust systems, legislation, and effective implementation. The State of Qatar was also nominated to be among the evaluators for the rest of the countries worldwide.