Doha, September 22 (QNA) - Qatar University (QU), in cooperation with the General Tax Authority (GTA), organized the Fifth International Conference on Fiscal Policies and Economic Development in Qatar under the theme "Tax Transformation: Its Impact on Taxpayers and Tax Authorities."
In his opening remarks, QU President Dr. Omar Al Ansari highlighted the contributions of previous editions in fostering dialogue on contemporary economic and financial issues and strengthening engagement among academic, government, and professional institutions and the business community.
He noted that this year's theme is particularly relevant amid rapid economic and technological transformations and their impact on financial and tax policies and practices.
Dr. Al Ansari noted that tax transformation presents opportunities to modernize systems and institutions, improve service efficiency, and leverage emerging technologies. At the same time, it requires individuals and businesses to adapt to an evolving economic environment.
He emphasized the importance of adopting a balanced approach that considers the needs of government institutions, taxpayers, and the business community, promoting transparency and trust while fostering a stable economic environment that encourages growth and investment.
He added that the conference reflects QU's commitment to serving the community and addressing national and regional issues. He also highlighted the University's continued efforts to advance scientific research and develop academic programs that respond to labor market needs, including the introduction of a Minor in Taxation at the College of Business and Economics.
For his part, HE President of the GTA Khalifa Al Kuwari emphasized the importance of bringing together policymakers, researchers, and experts to exchange perspectives on the future of tax systems and ways to improve their design and implementation.
He noted that combining knowledge and experience with research and practice helps deepen the understanding of challenges and strengthens the development of policies that respond to economic needs.
He highlighted the evolving challenges facing economies today, including fiscal sustainability, income diversification, economic transformation, digitalization, and changing global business models. These developments, he explained, require policymakers to develop new tools, reassess existing approaches, and anticipate future needs.
He also underscored the central role of tax policy in fiscal policy, particularly in generating the resources needed to fund public services and influencing investment decisions, business growth, and economic competitiveness.
He added that Qatar National Vision 2030 provides a framework for aligning fiscal and tax policies with the country's economic diversification and sustainable development goals, noting the importance of coordinated efforts and national capacity building. He further noted the importance of collaboration with QU and research institutions in advancing these objectives and addressing the priorities and needs of the national economy. (QNA)