Asia Chapter meets with Singapore EDB.

Earlier this spring, TEI Asia Chapter has held its first meeting with government officials with Singapore. In late April, Chapter President William E. Ramirez of Altria Corporate Services and chapter member Junie Schmidt of Microsoft Operations Pte Ltd. met with the tax policy group of the Singapore Economics Development Board to discuss the international scope of TEI's technical activities.

During the April 26 meeting, the participants discussed general tax issues that hinder the competitiveness of the jurisdiction and how TEI may work with the Singapore authorities, including the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the Ministry of Finance, to make the tax laws more administrable. The EDB was particularly impressed with the scope of TEI activities, noting that the government must stay abreast of international developments if it is to maintain its competitiveness.

The EDB expressed interest in maintaining regular, informal dialogues with TEI to explore current tax issues. TEI members interested in joining these meetings should contact Mr. Ramirez ([e-mail]) or Ms. Schmidt ([e-mail]).