The Finance and Tax Academy is pleased to announce the inaugural edition of an exclusive annual event on tax, to be held in collaboration with the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) on 9 September 2025 at the Maritim Resort & Spa Mauritius in Balaclava.
This year’s theme, “Global Tax Developments: Challenges and Opportunities,” sets the stage for in-depth discussions on the evolving international tax landscape and its impact on the local economy.
The event will take the shape of a full-day training, featuring presentations and discussions by Prof. Dr. Victor van Kommer, Director of Capacity Building and Tailored Services and Member of the Executive Board at IBFD. An authority on tax administration, Prof. van Kommer has been closely involved in many IBFD projects related to tax and developments (mainly in Africa and Asia). In addition, his definitive Handbook on Tax Administration has been translated into several languages and used in many countries. The training event represents his first visit to Mauritius, and industry stakeholders can expect key insights around the impact of global tax developments on the island economy.
Prof. Dr. Victor van Kommer noted, “This event will address the rapidly changing global tax environment. With more cross-border transactions, the environment is becoming one of increasing complexity – be it complexity about the rules, or about their implementation. The OECD has already begun to implement the BEPS project, and the last couple of years have seen heateddiscussions around the Global Minimum Tax and what it means for various economies. In this session, we will seek to understand the implications for the Mauritian tax framework and the wider economy. We invite stakeholders from law firms, accounting firms, management companies and the academia to attend the training and understand what is going on globally, because it closely impacts your day to day work.”
For her part, Shameemah Abdool Raman, Head of the Finance & Tax Academy, notes: “We are thrilled to partner with IBFD, as a globally respected, independent non-profit foundation serving tax professionals and authorities worldwide. Securing Prof. van Kommer as a speaker is a rare privilege, as an unparalleled authority on tax administration, having authored several books on the subject. We are confident that this inaugural edition will serve to enlighten the Mauritian audience on the implications of global tax developments and help them understand how to counter challenges and leverage opportunities arising in this context.”
The full day session will begin with a keynote address by Prof. van Kommer, followed by working sessions which will take a deep dive into the global achievements, impacts and challenges of BEPS, with Mauritius at centre stage.The agenda will also include two insightful panel discussions on transfer pricing and dispute resolution, to unfold in the second half of the day.
The MQA approved training attracts a participation fee of Rs 22,000 of which the HRDC refund is 60%.
The event is already attracting significant interest from industry, having secured sponsorships from leading industry players such as ER Group, Rogers Capital – Fiduciary, and SWAN.
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About The Finance and Tax Academy
Launched in February 2024 by Rogers Capital, the Finance and Tax Academy (The Academy) aims to elevate tax education in Mauritius.
The vision of The Academy is to foster a community of lifelong learners by offering accessible, high-quality education. Our dedicated trainers work tirelessly to ensure that our trainees receive a world-class education that prepares them for success.
With courses designed for all levels and in partnership with GRAMES Tax Guild LLP, the academy offers hybrid learning sessions on international taxation and domestic tax.
About the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD)
The International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) was established in 1938 and is headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. It’s a non-profit organisation, with a global network of offices, and representatives in over 50 countries.
Our staff of over 200 global IBFD tax experts provide you and the wider tax community with the most comprehensive, up-to-date information and education on international tax law.
Whether you’re a tax professional, a business owner, or a government official, we can help you stay informed about the latest international tax developments in the region and make informed tax decisions. Our dedicated team of tax law experts are committed to delivering tailored solutions that meet your unique information and training needs.
About the speaker
Prof. Dr. Victor van Kommer Director of Capacity Building & Tailored Services, Member of the Executive Board, IBFD
Prof. van Kommer joined the International Bureau of Fiscal Documentation (IBFD) in 2000 and became a Director and Executive Board Member in 2008. He leads Capacity Building and Tailored Services and previously headed IBFD’s Government Consultancy Department.
Before IBFD, he served at the Dutch Ministry of Finance, holding senior roles in the Tax and Customs Administration, including the FIOD. He oversaw the merger of fiscal and economic investigation units and contributed to reform efforts in tax governance.
An authority on tax administration, Prof. van Kommer has authored several books, including the widely translated Handbook on Tax Administration. He holds a master’s and PhD in Tax Law from the University of Leiden. He was Professor of Tax Policy at Utrecht University (2008–2022) and is currently Professor of Tax and Economics at Nyenrode Business University.
