The OECD is to set up a ‘task force’ to implement a coherent approach to tax and development issues, engaging developing countries and other key stakeholders including NGOs and business.

Membership is apparently to be of between 15 and 20 people.

The task force will convene in the next six weeks as an informal group representative of all stakeholders to develop clear and effective mechanisms for implementation and to avoid duplication. The informal task force will begin by mapping out existing international efforts relating to tax and development.

I welcome this. It’s a step in he right direction. But of course genuine openness in membership and a commitment to developing real change for the benefit of developing countries will be the true bench mark of progress. That’s one to be monitored.