Improving resource mobilization—raising more revenue, and doing so in ways more supportive of growth, equity, and good governance—remains a central challenge in many developing countries faced with pressing spending needs. Helping them achieve this has long been a core part of the IMF’s work, and its advice has been both influential and, on occasion, controversial. Reflecting the importance it attaches to this work, the Executive Board of the IMF recently discussed a staff paper on this topic.

The issue has attracted heightened interest in the last few months. In particular, the G-20 called in November 2010 for the IMF, in partnership with other international organizations, to report on key issues in strengthening revenue mobilization in developing countries. Their communiqué indicates that "It is essential to continue to strengthen tax regimes and fiscal policies in developing countries to provide a sustainable revenue base for inclusive growth and social equity, as well as to enhance the transparency and accountability of public finances;" the precise aspects to be addressed are set out in Action 1 of Appendix 8, page 9.

At an IMF-organized conference in Nairobi (March 21-22, 2011) on Revenue Mobilization in Sub-Saharan Africa, leading policy makers and academics, business and civil society representatives came together to discuss lessons from past successes and failures as well as from recent academic research. A similar, global, event on Revenue Mobilization and Development in developing countries took place in Washington, DC (April 17-19, 2011), and included a session specifically on the work for the G20. The views expressed at both events will play an important part in shaping the work of the Fund and its partners on this matter.

As part of the IMF effort to seek input for this work, the IMF Fiscal Affairs Department, in coordination with the IMF External Relations Department, is announcing a public call for comments for key stakeholders.

Objective

The overall objective of the consultation is to encourage government officials, private sector representatives, academics, and civil society organizations to provide additional inputs to the work for the G-20.

Procedures

The IMF seeks insights on revenue mobilization issues in general (including, but not necessarily limited to, those topics addressed in the staff paper) and the topics raised by the G20 specifically, through a consultative process. The process has already involved IMF staff interaction with academics, labor unions, donors, and civil society in the form of conferences and other meetings. Now, this online platform for receiving written comments is being added.

Comments are sought on any of the five bullet point issues specified under Action 1 of the G20 request, as well as on issues of revenue mobilization in developing countries more generally.

The IMF Civil Society Team will receive the comments and post a summary of the comments received (some editing might be needed).

Please provide your contact information before submitting comments. The Fund will not review comments without proper information of the sender. The IMF cannot respond to individual comments or communications. In the case that questions arise during the public call for comments period, the IMF will provide periodic updates on this website, addressing common questions.