The Training Institute of the Ministry of Finance held the closing ceremony for the "2026 International Taxation Academy (42nd Session)" this morning (August 28th). Minister Chuang Tsui-yun presented certificates of completion and delivered encouraging remarks. Distinguished guests in attendance included the Ambassadors of Saint Kitts and Nevis and Belize, a representative from the Embassy of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and a representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; the Director General of the Department of International Fiscal Affairs from the Ministry of Finance was also present to witness the occasion, making for a warm and cordial ceremony.
Minister Chuang began by congratulating all the participants on their successful completion of the program. She noted that since its inception in 1984, the International Taxation Academy has consistently enabled participants to stay abreast of emerging trends in international fiscal and tax matters through professional training and practical exchanges, while also fostering friendships with fiscal officials from allied nations. Over the past 42 years, the program has trained 300 foreign fiscal officials from 66 countries and 1,528 domestic tax colleagues, yielding fruitful results and continuously deepening cooperation and exchange with allied nations.
In response to global tax system transformations, we organized a course this year on the "Global Minimum Tax" regime. We extend our gratitude to PwC leader partners Jesse Kavanagh and Paulson Tseng for analyzing the OECD Pillar Two framework and sharing insights on the latest topics, including global tax reform, supply chain restructuring, corporate sustainability, and transfer pricing. We also sincerely thank Professor Emeritus Mike Nelson from the University of Akron for his lecture on "Tax Policy Evaluation," in which he examined the impact of tax policies on the economy and resource allocation from the perspectives of U.S. experience and economics. Through expert instruction and the sharing of practical case studies, we trust that participants will gain a firm grasp of emerging trends in cross-border tax governance and be able to apply these insights to their professional work.
The Minister also expressed appreciation for the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year, fiscal and tax officials from six partner nations—Belize, Eswatini, Nigeria, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Romania, and the Philippines—came to Taiwan for the program, joined by over 40 tax officials from central and local government agencies, as well as five students from National Taiwan University and National Taipei University of Business. Following two weeks of learning and exchange, the participants have not only gained valuable insights but also forged deep friendships that transcend national borders and professional fields.
In addition to a solid professional curriculum, the Training Institute arranges visits to the Customs Museum, the National Palace Museum, and Taipei 101, as well as excursions to enjoy the scenery of the North Coast and sample traditional cuisine, allowing international participants to experience Taiwan's rich cultural heritage and the warmth and friendliness of Taiwanese people.
In the face of rapid changes in global trade and economics, international taxation is not only crucial for safeguarding the national tax base and ensuring tax equity but also represents a key area for deepening international cooperation. The Ministry of Finance will continue to conduct the International Taxation Academy to cultivate specialized talent, enhance tax governance capabilities, and share Taiwan’s experience, working together to build a fair and sound tax environment.