With the ever broadening repercussions of the financial crisis in Europe and the impact of the Arab spring, the Middle East and South Asia (MESA) region is facing unique challenges and uncertainties. Given this, there are many current and expected changes in tax laws and regulations that organizations will have to keep pace with, in addition to other developments on the global and regional front.
To address these issues in detail KPMG is hosting a MESA Tax Conference on Monday 26 November 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Dubai.
Greg Wiebe, KPMG's Global Head of Tax emphasizes that changing global tax scenarios and how it impacts regional elements is critical for tax professionals to understand, "Today is a different world. The days are long gone when tax was solely an expense to be managed. Whether it is corporate social responsibility, tax governance, enhanced transparency with tax authorities, or society looking at individuals and corporations to determine if they are paying the fair amount of tax, these issues are not going to go away."
Highlighting the importance of the Conference Ashok Hariharan, KPMG's Head of Tax for the Lower Gulf comments while there is a continuing thrust to support growth and bring about fiscal and tax changes, governments are also wary of the impact that global events may have on the region. The sessions at the Conference are intended to be practical as well as thought-provoking by examining developments in the MESA region, identifying strategies and options through insights from leading tax professionals and industry leaders."
The conference's itinerary includes:
- Analyzing the changes in the MESA region alongside eminent speakers from regional businesses and academia.
- Delivering practical strategies and ideas guided by insights from leading tax professionals and industry leaders.
- Looking beyond today to the shape of the future.
Jyothi Kasi, Tax Partner, KPMG in the Lower Gulf comments on the conference agenda: "our tax technical sessions will cover a range of issues, including the increasing trend for direct foreign investment into Iraq and South Asia and the tax landscape of these regions. There will be updates on indirect taxes in the region (including the potential introduction of VAT), Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)and its impact on regional financial institutions as well as other recent changes impacting Middle East investors."
The conference is a must attend event for all those who work with tax and its implications in the MESA region.
About KPMG:
KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 152 countries and have 145,000 people working in member firms around the world. KPMG in the UAE was established in 1974 and has grown to more than 650 professional staff led by 31 Partners, across six offices. We have established a presence among market leaders in the region, providing clients with Audit, Tax and Advisory services.
Over several decades, KPMG in the UAE has had the opportunity to work with leading industry players in the region and has played a pivotal role in a number of success stories. At various stages of their growth clients have looked to KPMG for timely and independent advice to help in decision making. KPMG's employees and Partners in the UAE embrace KPMG's Global values.
These values determine how we interact with clients, with each other and with the world around us. These values also define what we stand for and how we conduct business. At KPMG we try to create sustainable, long-term value, not just for our member firms and clients, but for the broader society as well. KPMG aims to be a responsible corporate citizen by making a real difference to the communities in which it operates.
For further information, contact:
Omar Khan
Communications Manager KPMG Lower Gulf
Omarkhan2@kpmg.com
M: +971 50 250 6204
© Press Release 2012
