AKIPRESS.COM - Internet trade taxation administration is in focus of an OSCE-supported training seminar for some 30 officials from the Finance and Economy Ministries, Kazpost Postal Service and the Central Bank that began today in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The two-day seminar is organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Astana in partnership with the State Revenue Committee of Kazakhstan’s Finance Ministry

Participants reviewed the current legislative framework in e-commerce, discussed opportunities for assessing taxes on online sold goods and explored ways to enhance customs clearance procedures. Experts from the European Union, Georgia and the Russian Federation shared international experience of taxing practices in e-commerce and discussed the application of a risk-assessment approach to counter illegal imports.

“E-commerce offers new opportunities both to customers and businesses in Kazakhstan,” said Argyn Kypshakov, Deputy Chairman of the State Revenues Committee. “The customs and taxation system needs to react adequately to new challenges associated with the increase of online trading and tax online business operations in line with best practices.”

“Online trading is one of the fastest developing businesses that is used by a growing number of citizens of Kazakhstan”, said Rati Japaridze, Economic and Environmental Officer of the OSCE Programme Office in Astana. “The OSCE works with our partners from the Finance Ministry in developing an optimal taxation mechanism that both streamlines trade and increases government revenues through taxing online sales.”

The workshop is part of the Office’s multi-year efforts to assist the host country in promoting good governance and facilitating trade in the region.