Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. At the outset, the Group expresses its appreciation to the President of the Economic and Social Council for convening this Special Meeting on International Cooperation in Tax Matters. The Group recognizes the importance of this platform in advancing inclusive and effective tax cooperation, particularly in the context of the ongoing efforts to enhance the mobilization of domestic resources to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Group notes with concern that the financing gap for the SDGs remains substantial. In this regard, we emphasize that international tax cooperation is a fundamental component of the international financing architecture, as it enables developing countries to strengthen domestic resource mobilization and address illicit financial flows, tax avoidance, and tax evasion.

The Group underscores that discussions on international tax cooperation must be inclusive, and transparent, recognizing the role of the United Nations, where all Member States participate on an equal footing. In this regard, we recall the adoption of General Assembly resolution A/RES/79/235, which establishes an open-ended intergovernmental negotiating committee for the purpose of drafting the United Nations Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation and two early protocols simultaneously. This is a significant step towards a more just and equitable global tax system that fully considers the needs and priorities of developing countries.

The Group reiterates that international tax rules should support, rather than hinder, the ability of developing countries to mobilize domestic resources. The taxation of cross-border services, the digital economy, and the prevention of profit shifting by multinational enterprises are central to the discussions for the Group. We stress the importance of capacity-building and technical assistance to help developing countries implement effective tax policies and administration.

In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China reaffirms its strong commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation in tax matters. We will continue to advocate for an inclusive and effective international tax system that reflects the development needs of all countries and contributes to a more just and sustainable global economy.

I thank you