By LINDSAY THOMPSON

BAHAMAS INFORMATION SERVICES

The Bahamas yesterday signed its 31st Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA), this one with the Czech Republic.

Michael Halkitis, minister of state for finance, signed for the Bahamas, and Ambassador Jarsolav Zajic for the Czech Republic.

“The Bahamas welcomes the conclusion of this agreement with Czech Republic, a fellow participant in the ongoing efforts to implement the international standards for financial services regulation and cross-border cooperation,” Mr Halkitis said.

This is the second TIEA with an eastern European nation, and the 20th with an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) member country.

“The Government is confident that the continued expansion of its tax cooperation network further enhances the Bahamas’ position as a reputable international business centre for the conduct of legitimate global activities,” Mr Halkitis said.

“The Bahamas looks forward to the continued expansion of the cooperative relationship between our two countries.”