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  OECD NEWSMeetings of the OECD Sub-Group Meetings of the OECD Sub-Group on level playing field issues were held on 2 June 2004 just prior to as well as in the margins of the OECD Global Forum in Berlin. The meetings were attended by delegates from Australia, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, France, Germany, Isle of Man, Japan, Jersey, Panama, Nevis, Samoa, the United States and the OECD Secretariat. The Sub-Group was established at the Ottawa Global Forum meeting held on 14-15 October, 2003. In line with its mandate, the sub-group developed proposals that were put forth for consideration by the Global Forum for achieving a global level playing field and a process by which this work could be taken forward, based on the widely accepted principles of transparency and shared responsibility. The Sub-Group met on two previous occasions to develop terms of reference for its work and then developed proposals for achieving a level playing field. These proposals were outlined in a position paper entitled “A Process For Achieving a Global Level Playing Field.” This paper was presented to the Global Forum where it was discussed and broadly accepted by members of the Global Forum. The paper is divided into 4 sections, namely:- 1) the introduction, 2) a definition of the Level Playing Field Concept, its features and its role; 3) a process for achieving a level playing field which integrates individual, bilateral and collective elements; and 4) concluding remarks. The paper also contains various annexes, namely:- 1) The Terms of Reference; 2) The Proposed Action Plan for Achieving Transparency & Effective Exchange in Tax Matters and 3) A Draft Sub-Group Template/Questionnaire on Transparency and Exchange of Information. OECD news is at www.oecd.org/topic/0,2686,en_2649_33745_1_1_1_1_37427,00.html. |