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Why is the ITIC unique?

While other groups do policy work in the former Soviet Union, only the ITIC focuses on solving concrete, practical problems related to tax and investment laws and regulations. Through its monthly forums, "hands-on" working sessions, and special relationships with Russian and Kazakhstani officials, the ITIC brings together Western business experts with government policy makers and members of Parliament to address a range of specific issues and problems.

How Investors Know That ITIC's Voice is Heard

The tangible results of ITIC's work are evident in many of the changes that CIS nations have made to their tax codes. And the consistent attendance at ITIC programs by the most senior tax officials of transition countries testifies to the unique position ITIC occupies.

While other groups do policy work in the former Soviet Union and transition countries, ITIC does more. Its strategy of serving as a neutral forum for discussion and resolution of legislative, regulatory, and administrative problems in tax and investment policy has been extraordinarily effective.

If ITIC can be said to have an agenda, it is to spread 'best international practice.' ITIC's staff relies on sponsors to contribute substantively to every educational program, drawing on their practical international experience. That leaves the staff to focus on building a rapport with hundreds of government officials who need the expertise that ITIC sponsors can deliver.

This division of labor has worked well. ITIC has developed trusted advisory relationships with key, senior-level policymakers in Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, and other CIS nations.

These relationships, forged over many years in personal meetings and at ITIC's educational pro-grams, have provided channels for private sector expertise to reach the government before, during, and after the official policymaking process. This combination, which is truly unique to ITIC, is the institution's principal asset - it provides ITIC and its sponsors a seat at the policymaking table. 

In some areas of each country's tax code, ITIC focuses exclusively on policy reform, because tax and investment policies are far from satisfactory and must change before steady economic growth can occur. In other areas, sound tax policies have been enacted, often with ITIC's help. In those cases, ITIC focuses on regulations and administration so that the promise of sound tax policy is fulfilled. 

With offices in Almaty, Astana, Baku, Kiev, London, Manila, Moscow, and Washington, ITIC maintains daily communication with policymakers and briefs its sponsors constantly. Through its regular Tax Roundtables, hands-on working sessions, and trusted relationships with elected and appointed officials all across the CIS, ITIC brings together Western business experts with government policy makers and Members of Parliaments to address a range of specific issues and problems. 

The primary mission is transferring Western know-how to CIS officials, but ITIC also reports back to its supporters with advance information on tax and investment laws, decrees, and regulations so that ITIC investors are involved in the policy process on the "front end." 

As our circle of 'graduates' grows, so does our ability to effect pro-investment changes, not only in our original host nations of Russia and Kazakhstan but in the other transition countries we are now assisting. The objective is to strengthen their economies by providing legislators, ministers, regulators and administrators a better understanding of business practices in a market economy. 

 

"ITIC has built an independent bridge opening communication and better understanding between investors and Government officials." Jurgen van de Kemenade International Tax Manager, Eni, S.p.A and Chairman, OKIOC and Karachaganak Tax Committees

Founding

ITIC was formed by the signing of agreements with the governments of Russia and Kazakhstan in September 1993. The signatories were the Chairman of the Russian State Tax Service and the Minister of Finance of Kazakhstan. These agreements have both been renewed recently: in 1999 by Kazakhstan's Minister of State Revenue; and in 2000 by the Chairman of the Russian State Duma's Budget and Tax Committee.

Mission

Organized in 1993, the International Tax and Investment Center (ITIC) is an independent nonprofit research and education foundation with offices in Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States. ITIC is organized to serve as a clearinghouse for information and as a training center to transfer Western taxation and investment know how to improve the investment climate of transition countries, thereby spurring formation and development of business and economic prosperity.

Strategy

ITIC established a three-part strategy for success in cooperating with CIS officials on the changes they need to make in their investment climates generally, and especially as they apply to taxation. This strategy has seen the organization through seven increasingly successful years. 1. Establish long-term relationships with government and parliamentary officials in the host countries. 2. Maintain a reliable schedule of high-quality educational programs, especially Tax Round-tables and workshops that bring Western experts face to face with the officials who can utilize their advice and know-how. 3. In all educational programs and communications, send a consistent, principled message: the need for tax and economic reforms that will achieve prosperity and financial stability.