Friday 07 September 2012
Guernsey's Chief Minister, Deputy Peter Harwood, has signed two further bilateral tax information exchange agreements (TIEAs) while in London for a series of meetings.
Deputy Harwood commented:
"Our relationships with the Member States of the European Union are of paramount importance in helping Guernsey protect and promote its interests. Each TIEA that we sign with EU members is a further indication of Guernsey's constructive relationship with EU Member States, and of those Member States' endorsement of Guernsey's commitment to tax transparency."
The TIEA with Italy was signed with Italy's Ambassador to the UK, HE Alain Economides.
Deputy Harwood commented:
"Italy is the eighth largest economy in the world, and it is a founder member of the EU and the G8. Italy is influential in the EU, not least on economic issues. Aside from signing the TIEA, the meeting with the Ambassador was a timely opportunity to re- emphasise Guernsey's commitment to information exchange and meeting international standards. I also hope that it will signify a strengthening of economic and political ties between Italy."
The TIEA with Latvia was signed with Latvia's Ambassador to the UK, HE Eduards Stiprais.
Deputy Harwood commented:
"We have strong links to Latvia, not least through the Latvian community in Guernsey. Signing this agreement strengthens our relationship with Latvia in a formal way, and I am sure that the relationship between our two jurisdictions will continue to be positive."
Director of Income Tax Rob Gray commented:
"These TIEAs take the number of TIEAs signed by Guernsey to 37 - including 15 of the G20 members. Guernsey's growing network of tax agreements illustrates its ongoing commitment to meeting and exceeding international standards in tax transparency."
-ENDS-
Contact Information
Phil Henderson, External Affairs Officer
Tel: 01481 717 131
E-mail: pressroom@gov.gg
