Press Releases – Page 164

March 16, 2023

Get the expert take on the African tax landscape at IBFD’s Masterclass

IBFD Masterclass: Tax Structuring in Africa – Selected Critical Issues

Masterclass returns to strengthen African taxation

AMSTERDAM, March 16, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE)

—IBFD will host the Masterclass: Tax Structuring in Africa – Selected Critical Issues, on 22-23 May 2023 in Arusha, Tanzania for African tax practitioners. This advanced-level training will provide participants with a platform to learn, share and debate the most pressing issues in international taxation.

African tax professionals such as tax managers and directors, in-house tax and accounting specialists in commerce and industry, practitioners in tax advisory firms, and government officials, will gain a deeper and practical understanding of the most important topics in international taxation, from a unique African perspective.

Which topics will the Masterclass programme cover?

Current Issues in International Taxation and Transfer Pricing from Around the Globe – Impact on African Inbound and Outbound Investments
Tax Treaty Policy in Africa: Impact of Treaty Anti-Avoidance Rules
Artificial Avoidance of Permanent Establishments: Experience from Around the Globe and Potential Lessons for Africa
Cross-Border Business Activities in Africa – Cross-Border Services and Withholding Tax Structuring

Find out more and benefit from the early-bird discount!
For more details on the programme objectives, course content, structure, trainers and to benefit from the 10% early-bird discount ending 20 March, visit https://www.ibfd.org/events/ibfd-masterclass-tax-structuring-africa-selected-critical-issues.

Contact information: Phil Windus, Senior Marketing Coordinator: p.windus@ibfd.org.

About IBFD
IBFD is a leading international provider of cross-border tax expertise, with a long-standing history of supporting and contributing to tax research and academic activities. As an independent foundation, IBFD utilizes its global network of tax experts and its Knowledge Centre to serve Fortune 500 companies, governments, international consultancy firms and tax advisers.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/10031abf-1cae-4f2c-98ba-32a73ce8caae

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March 15, 2023

Open Society Announces $1.7 Million to Support Middle East and North Africa Debt Swap for Sustainable Development

Amman, March 15, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations today announced that they are giving $1.7 million to a United Nations initiative in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) that seeks to catalyze increased public spending on achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by negotiating reduced national debt service payments. Importantly, the initiative provides a channel for MENA civil society organizations to have a voice about where such kinds of innovative financing is needed most.

The two-and-a-half-year project partnership, which will last from April 2023 through September 2025, will support work by the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) with interested member states and civil society to identify investment projects that prioritize the most urgent needs of MENA societies. ESCWA will support member states in reaching agreements with their creditors to redirect scheduled debt service payments into sustainable local investments.

An emphasis on robust project monitoring and evaluation provides an incentive to creditors who are ready to deliver on their own commitments to climate and sustainable development goals financing in MENA. The initiative is further strengthened by the role of ESCWA’s Advisory Committee, made up of experts with experience implementing debt swaps and providing economic policy advice on inclusive growth in other parts of the world.

Heavily indebted MENA countries have pressing financing needs to address climate adaptation and sustainable development goals, while struggling to recover from fallouts of the COVID-19 pandemic and repercussions of the war in Ukraine, including growing food insecurity. As middle-income countries, they are both excluded from debt relief frameworks and find it difficult to access the financing they need.

The combined public debt burden of Arab countries was $1.5 trillion, equivalent to about 54 percent of the region’s GDP in 2021. In addition, the Arab region continues to suffer disproportionately from climate change and 90 percent of the population resides in water-scarce countries. Conflicts in the region have devastated institutions and infrastructure and some 66 million persons in Arab countries affected by conflict are dependent on humanitarian aid.

“The ESCWA initiative is a win-win strategy for all stakeholders involved,” said Issandr Amrani, executive director for Open Society–Middle East and North Africa. “As a multilateral institution with a commitment to human rights and civil society engagements, ESCWA provides a new opportunity for civil society to engage with governments on borrowing, spending, and development priorities. Open Society is committed to backing innovative projects that can help deliver economic justice.”

Yamide Dagnet, Open Society’s director for Climate Justice, added: “Climate disruption poses exponential risks to MENA’s economic and political challenges. Open Society’s pro-climate and fiscal-forward support can pave the way for catalytic investment in a just and inclusive climate transformation. From spurring dynamic and higher quality, green new employment opportunities that spark optimism among youth, women, and other marginalized communities, to addressing adaptation issues such as water scarcity that risks amplifying conflict. The fiscal space and just opportunities this pledge creates expands how we must put climate justice into action.”

Open Society’s president announced the launch of the grant during a high-level plenary session of the Arab Forum on Sustainable Development in Beirut, Lebanon, on March 15, 2023.

Office of Communications
Open Society Foundations 
212-548-0378
media@opensocietyfoundations.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8789008

March 15, 2023

ACAMS Launches Scholarship Program for Korean Professionals Seeking Anti-Money Laundering Training

CAMS Scholarship recipients will train on strategies to identify, trace, and report criminal activity threatening financial institutions across the globe

WASHINGTON, March 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of its efforts to support the fight against financial crime throughout the Asia Pacific region, ACAMS is launching a new scholarship program for South Korean compliance professionals seeking to become Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (CAMS). Under the initiative, ACAMS will award the CAMS Scholarship to 10 Korean compliance practitioners in the anti-financial crime (AFC) space, granting them a one-year membership to the association and a full waiver of all fees for the CAMS exam package.

As part of the program, scholarship winners will train on a broad array of skills and strategies to detect, track, and report illicit financial activity, including global best practices on the effective implementation of anti-money laundering (AML) and counterterrorism financing (CTF) policies and procedures, risk-mitigation controls, and suspicious transaction reporting. Widely recognized as the global standard for AML/CTF credentials, the CAMS program helps to shield financial institutions around the world from criminal exploitation, regulatory fines, and reputational harm.

“This scholarship is a reflection not only of our mission to fight illicit finance around the globe, but also of our commitment to the talented professionals in Korea’s dynamic anti-financial crime sector,” said ACAMS CEO Scott Liles. “As South Korea’s financial markets continues to grow, it’s critical that compliance professionals are prepared to meet evolving regulatory expectations and face emerging criminal threats.”

“For compliance practitioners, CAMS is pathway to becoming part a global community of dedicated men and women around the world who are applying their knowledge and skills to protect the private sector and save lives,” said ACAMS Advisory Board Member Jean Chung who is also Managing Director, Asia Head over Conduct, Financial Crime and Compliance Advisory for Corporate, Commercial and Institutional Banking at Standard Chartered Bank. “This is a credential that will open doors for professional development throughout a recipient’s career.”

The initiative is the third of its kind for ACAMS following the launch in 2021 of the CAFCA Scholarship and CCAS Scholarship in 2022. The CCAS Scholarship attracted entries from AFC professionals from over 100 countries around the world.

Applicants can apply for the CAMS Scholarship through 11:59 pm GMT April 28, 2023. Winners will be announced in June.

Find out more about the scholarship’s criteria and application process here:
https://www.acams.org/cams-scholarship

About ACAMS®

ACAMS is a leading international membership organization dedicated to providing opportunities for anti-financial crime (AFC) education, best practices, and peer-to-peer networking to AFC professionals globally. With over 100,000 members across 180 jurisdictions, ACAMS is committed to the mission of ending financial crime through the provision of anti-money laundering/counterterrorism-financing and sanctions knowledge-sharing, thought leadership, risk-mitigation services, ESG initiatives, and platforms for public-private dialogue. The association’s CAMS certification is the gold-standard qualification for AFC professionals, while its CGSS and CCAS certifications are for sanctions professionals and AFC practitioners working in the crypto space, respectively. ACAMS’ 60+ Chapters globally further amplify the association’s mission through training and networking initiatives. Visit acams.org for more information.

Media Contact:
Lashvinder Kaur
lkaur@acams.org
+44 7388 264478

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8788561

March 14, 2023

L’association PharmaLedger lance un écosystème de confiance numérique dans le secteur des soins de santé

BÂLE, Suisse, 14 mars 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — La PharmaLedger Association (PLA), une organisation à but non lucratif basée en Suisse, annonce l’approbation de son plan stratégique triennal visant à mettre en œuvre et à promouvoir un écosystème de confiance numérique dans le secteur des soins de santé (DTE-H) lors de son assemblée générale annuelle qui s’est tenue à Lucerne, en Suisse, le 1er mars 2023. Les organisations membres ont également confirmé la nomination de huit administrateurs à son conseil d’administration, concrétisant la valeur fondamentale de « leadership de l’écosystème » prônée par l’association.

Les membres fondateurs de la PLA, qui représentent la diversité du secteur des soins de santé, se composent de grandes et de petites entreprises pharmaceutiques, d’organismes de recherche, d’organisations représentant les patients, d’organisations à but non lucratif, de fournisseurs de technologies et de services de soins de santé. La PLA a confirmé son mandat en tant qu’organisation faîtière pré-compétition qui fournit des solutions numériques communes et interopérables dans les domaines de la confiance dans les produits, les essais cliniques décentralisés, et la traçabilité de la chaîne d’approvisionnement.

Produits et projets : Au premier trimestre 2023, la PLA lancera le premier produit qualifié, l’information électronique sur les produits pour sa mise en œuvre par ses membres.
Au deuxième trimestre 2023, l’Association poursuivra la conception de nouveaux produits dans son laboratoire d’innovation xLab, notamment d’un produit jumeau numérique, d’identités décentralisées et de références vérifiables pour faciliter la visibilité, la sécurité, la traçabilité et la confiance dans tous les domaines des soins de santé.
Gouvernance et conformité : La PLA tirera parti de sa capacité à développer, qualifier, lancer et maintenir des produits dans l’environnement très réglementé des soins de santé en veillant à respecter en permanence les directives en matière d’antitrust, de propriété intellectuelle, de protection des données et d’assurance des systèmes informatisés.
Engagement et croissance de l’écosystème : L’association continuera à accueillir de nouveaux membres et à s’engager auprès des autorités, des associations professionnelles et des organismes d’élaboration de normes, afin d’assurer sa croissance et sa viabilité financière.
Technologie et sécurité des plateformes : La PLA s’efforcera de faciliter l’adoption de nouvelles solutions par ses membres et ses utilisateurs tout en conservant les avantages de son architecture en matière de cybersécurité.

La création de la PLA et l’approbation de sa mission par divers membres du secteur des soins de santé constituent une étape importante. Elle ouvre la voie à la provision de plateformes de confiance basées sur la blockchain avec de nouvelles solutions de soins de santé open-source afin de créer de la valeur pour les patients et les parties prenantes de l’écosystème. La PLA est reconnaissante envers ses 20 membres fondateurs et invite toutes les organisations du secteur des soins de santé à s’informer et à s’engager davanvage dans la création d’un système de soins de santé 4.0 digne de confiance.

« La blockchain est un effort collectif. La PLA a commencé avec une équipe diversifiée et solide de membres qui partagent la même vision et qui croient en un changement réel. Avec la PLA, nous disposons du bon outil, des ressources et de la feuille de route nécessaires pour améliorer l’expérience des patients dans le domaine des soins de santé », Daniel Fritz, directeur exécutif de la PharmaLedger Association.

La PLA est le résultat de l’achèvement du projet de recherche PharmaLedger, un consortium représentant 22 millions d’euros, composé de 30 membres, dont 12 grandes entreprises pharmaceutiques et 18 partenaires publics, financé dans le cadre de l’initiative « Innovative Health » de l’Union européenne (UE) et de la Fédération européenne des associations et industries pharmaceutiques (EFPIA).

Une photo accompagnant ce communiqué de presse est disponible à l’adresse suivante : http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0682572a-b8ac-4b5b-885b-8af008287cff

Contact – info@pharmaledger.org / www.pharmaledger.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000798039

March 14, 2023

PharmaLedger Association Lança Ecossistema de Confiança Digital em Serviços de Saúde

BASILEIA, Suíça, March 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A PharmaLedger Association (PLA), uma organização sem fins lucrativos com sede na Suíça, anuncia a aprovação do seu plano estratégico de 3 anos para implementar e promover um Ecossistema de Confiança Digital em saúde (DTE-H) em sua Assembleia Geral Anual realizada em Lucerna, Suíça, em 1° de março de 2023. As organizações-membro também confirmaram a nomeação de oito Diretores para seu conselho, cumprindo com o valor central de “Liderança Ecossistêmica” da PLA.

Representando a diversidade na área de serviços de saúde, os membros fundadores da PLA incluem grandes e pequenas empresas farmacêuticas, organizações de pesquisa, organizações representativas dos pacientes, organizações sem fins lucrativos, tecnologia e prestadores de serviços de saúde. A PLA confirmou seu mandato como uma organização guarda-chuva pré-concorrência entregando soluções digitais comuns e interoperáveis nas áreas de: Confiança do Produto, Ensaios Clínicos Descentralizados, e Rastreabilidade da Cadeia de Suprimentos.

Produtos e Projeto: No primeiro trimestre de 2023, a PLA lançará o primeiro produto qualificado e Informações Eletrônicas do Produto para implementação por seus membros.
No segundo trimestre de 2023, a PharmaLedger Association continuará com o desenvolvimento de novos produtos em seu xLab de inovação, incluindo um gêmeo digital de produto, identidades descentralizadas, e credenciais verificáveis para facilitar a visibilidade, segurança, rastreabilidade e confiança em todas as áreas dos serviços de saúde.
Governança & Compliance: A PLA alavancará sua capacidade de desenvolver, qualificar, lançar e manter produtos no ambiente altamente regulamentado dos serviços de saúde, garantindo a adesão contínua às diretrizes antitruste, de propriedade intelectual, privacidade de dados e Garantia de Sistema Computadorizado.
Engajamento e Crescimento do Ecossistema: A PharmaLedger Association continuará a integrar novos membros e a envolver-se com autoridades, associações comerciais e organizações de desenvolvimento de normas, garantindo o seu crescimento e viabilidade financeira.
Tecnologia e Segurança da Plataforma: A PLA se concentrará em facilitar a adoção de novas soluções com seus membros e usuários, enquanto mantém os benefícios de segurança cibernética da sua arquitetura.

A formação da PLA e o endosso da sua missão por diversos membros da área de serviços de saúde constitui um marco importante. Isso prepara o caminho para a entrega de plataformas baseadas em blockchain amplamente confiáveis, com novas soluções de código aberto em serviços de saúde para criar valor para pacientes e partes interessadas do ecossistema. A PLA agradece aos seus 20 membros fundadores e convida todas as organizações relacionadas à área de serviços de saúde a aprender mais e se empenhar na realização de ‘Serviços de Saúde 4.0’ de confiança.

“Blockchain é um esporte em equipe. A PLA começou com uma equipe diversificada e forte de membros com uma visão comum, que acreditam em mudanças reais. Com a PLA, temos o veículo, os recursos e o roteiro certos para levar os pacientes a um lugar melhor nos cuidados de saúde”, disse Daniel Fritz, Diretor Executivo da PharmaLedger Association.

A PLA é o resultado da conclusão bem-sucedida do projeto de pesquisa PharmaLedger, um consórcio de €22 milhões, composto por 30 membros, com 12 grandes empresas farmacêuticas e 18 parceiros públicos, financiado pela União Europeia (UE) e pela Iniciativa Inovadora de Saúde da Federação Europeia de Indústrias e Associações Farmacêuticas (EFPIA).

Foto deste comunicado disponível em http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0682572a-b8ac-4b5b-885b-8af008287cff

Contato – info@pharmaledger.org / www.pharmaledger.org

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000798039

March 14, 2023

IBFD Africa Tax Symposium comes to Arusha

IBFD African Tax Symposium

Trends in International Taxation – an African Perspective

AMSTERDAM, March 14, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The beautiful city of Arusha is gearing up to host the next edition of the Africa Tax Symposium. Taking place from 24 to 26 May 2023, the symposium is the leading global conference on taxation in Africa. Held at the Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha, the evergreen theme of the conference is “Trends in International Taxation – an African Perspective”.

Highlights from the technical programme include:

The Two-Pillar Solution – What No-Deal or No Critical Mass Means for Africa
Global Minimum Taxation – Implications for Africa’s tax incentives regimes
Recent Developments in Transfer Pricing in Africa
Tax Treaties – Practical issues concerning payments for services, including automated digital services
Domestic resource mobilization – Challenges and prospects
Reassessing Africa’s role in global tax policy development – The way forward.

“The Africa Tax Symposium is unique for the reach it has across the entire spectrum of the tax world,” says Belema Obuoforibo, Director of the IBFD Knowledge Centre, and Chair of the IBFD Centre for Studies in African Taxation. “This special event brings together tax professionals from practice, industry, academia, the judiciary, and tax administration – as speakers and as delegates. In its eight years of existence, the Symposium has acquired a well-deserved reputation as a high-quality forum for discussing the main tax policy issues crucial for Africa.”

To see the full programme and speakers, visit the Symposium website at https://www.ibfd.org/events/8th-africa-tax-symposium-2023#sectioneventprogramme

Limited places available

As in previous symposiums, attendance is restricted to 250 persons. Sign up early to secure your seat and early-bird discount.

To register, please visit the Symposium website at https://www.ibfd.org/events/8th-africa-tax-symposium-2023

The Africa Tax Symposium is proudly supported by:

The African Tax Institute (University of Pretoria)
Cercle de Réflexion et d’ Échange des Dirigeants des Administrations Fiscales (CREDAF)
Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators (CATA)
International Fiscal Association, Africa Region
International Fiscal Association, Nigeria branch
International Fiscal Association, South Africa branch
University of Cape Town, UCT Tax Unit
West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF)

We are also grateful to the Tanzania Revenue Authority for their invaluable support.

An additional event!

In the lead-up to the Symposium, IBFD also will hold a Masterclass, titled “Tax Structuring in Africa – Selected Critical Issues”. This is a separate event to the Symposium.

The Masterclass will take place on 22 and 23 May 2023, also at the Mount Meru Hotel in Tanzania. To register and learn more about the Masterclass, click here https://www.ibfd.org/events/ibfd-masterclass-tax-structuring-africa-selected-critical-issues

Contact information: Phil Windus, Senior Marketing Coordinator: p.windus@ibfd.org.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a86ba2dd-bf39-44e4-a700-af9249de3b88

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8786511