2006年-IMF国际货币组织全球_Draft_Revised_Code_of_Good_Practices_on_Fiscal_Transparency_13页_162kb

Summary of the IMF's Proposed Revised Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency

Core Content

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) issued a survey for comments on its proposed revised Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency on October 19, 2006, with a closing date for responses on November 17, 2006. The survey includes a six-question questionnaire and a list of issues to be prioritized for increased attention in the future. The objective is to gather feedback from a wide range of stakeholders to improve the Code and ensure it remains relevant and user-friendly.

The Code is based on four core principles:

1. Institutional Clarity
2. Open Budget Processes
3. Public Information
4. Integrity

These principles form the foundation for enhancing fiscal transparency across governments.

Main Changes and Enhancements

The proposed revisions aim to update the document for recent developments and improve usability. The substance of the original Code (updated in 2001) remains largely intact. Key new and enhanced practices include:

• Transparent revenue collection (1.2.1, 1.2.2, 4.2.6)
• Notification of proposed tax policy changes (1.2.3)
• Clear and transparent contractual arrangements (1.2.4)
• Legal basis for liability and asset management (1.2.5)
• A calendar for budget preparation (2.1.1) that allows for consultation
• Legislative scrutiny of supplemental revenue or expenditure proposals (2.2.3)
• Separate identification of major revenue sources (3.1.4)
• Publication of a periodic report on long-term public finances (3.1.7)
• Open conduct of purchases and sales of public assets (4.2.4)

Other revisions include:

• Specifying a medium-term budget strategy (2.1.2)
• Requiring an audit of the final accounts (2.2.4)
• Reporting on "other obligations" such as government guarantees and unfunded pensions (3.1.5)
• Explaining historical data revisions (4.1.3)
• Conducting an external audit to cover the performance of budget programs (4.3.1)

Key Issues for Attention

The survey asks respondents to identify the top five issues likely to require increased attention in the next few years. These include:

• Quasi-fiscal activities
• Contingent liabilities
• Risk management
• Resource revenues
• Accrual accounting
• Growth of subnational governments
• Public-private partnerships
• Coverage of reporting to include social obligations (e.g., pension liabilities)
• Changing demographics
• Fiscal pressures
• Performance Budgeting
• Medium-term budgetary framework
• Values and ethics in employment regimes
• Anti-corruption measures
• Other issues (open for input)

Survey Questions

The survey includes five questions for respondents to evaluate the revised Code:

1. The revised code is easy to understand
2. It is well-organized
3. It includes all important practices related to fiscal transparency
4. It correctly groups the practices into four principles/chapters
5. The practices are feasible for most countries to implement

Respondents are also invited to provide additional comments or suggestions.

Respondent Information

The survey includes a section for respondent information, such as:

• Country
• Sector (e.g., Civil, Academic, Private, Authority, Society, Other)
• Name
• Job Title
• Organization
• Email Address
• Telephone

Conclusion

The IMF's revised Code of Good Practices on Fiscal Transparency seeks to enhance clarity, openness, and integrity in fiscal management. It is designed to be user-friendly and relevant to current fiscal challenges, while maintaining the core principles that underpin fiscal transparency. The survey aims to ensure that the Code is practical and effective for implementation across a wide range of countries.

The revised Code emphasizes the importance of legal frameworks, public reporting, and independent oversight in maintaining fiscal accountability and sustainability. It also highlights the need for improved data quality, transparency in revenue and expenditure, and mechanisms for addressing fiscal risks.