SINGAPORE’S EXPLANATION OF VOTE BY MR. VIVEK GANESH, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AFTER THE VOTE ON DRAFT RESOLUTION A/C.2/80/L.20

Thank you, Mr Chair

1        Singapore thanks the African Group for its leadership in presenting this resolution, and Mr. Ivo Rubio of Angola for his steady facilitation throughout these negotiations. Although this resolution was envisaged to be procedural in view of the ongoing negotiations of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Tax, the extensive engagement by many delegations underscores the importance that all of us attach to strengthening international tax cooperation at the United Nations (UN).

2        International tax cooperation is of particular significance to many countries, including Singapore. A stable and predictable international tax environment is essential for fostering sustainable and inclusive growth, and domestic resource mobilisation. In an interconnected global economy, strong multilateral cooperation – anchored in collective ownership – is indispensable.

3        The tabling of this resolution was intended to capture the full breadth of Member States’ perspectives. In this spirit, Singapore engaged constructively throughout the process to recognise the importance of international tax cooperation at the UN and offered bridging solutions where possible. However, we note that elements of the final text did not take into account the following concerns which delegations had highlighted.

4         First, it is highly uncommon for an ongoing intergovernmental process to “welcome progress” before Member States have reached any agreed stage in their deliberations. Second, to our understanding, there is no concrete document or outcome in the INC on Tax yet at this juncture that we could reasonably cite as “progress” for the membership to acknowledge.

5           These concerns make it premature to signal any value judgement on the ongoing negotiations, particularly at this early stage when delegations are still deliberating on the key elements of the UN Framework Convention and its Protocols. It is vital that we enable an objective space for our delegations in the INC on Tax to engage fully and constructively, and to provide them the support towards the conclusion of the Framework Convention.

6            For these reasons, Singapore voted ABSTAIN on this resolution.

7          Looking ahead, Singapore remains committed to engaging constructively with all Member States in the negotiations of the UN Framework Convention and Protocols. Our shared objective should be a Framework Convention and Protocols that enjoy the broadest ownership, bring about a stable and predictable international tax system, and ultimately serve the interests of the entire UN membership.

8          Thank you, Mr Chair.