Maputo — The Mozambican Tax Authority (AT) is to receive technical assistance in planning and management, including tax auditing, from the US Treasury Department, under a memorandum of understanding signed in Maputo on Wednesday, by AT chairperson Rosario Fernandes, and the Charge d'Affaires of the American Embassy, Todd Chapman.

Speaking at the ceremony, Fernandes invited the US Treasury to mobilize funds for the establishment, consolidation and full operations of the Mozambican government's new Institute of Public Finance and Tax Training.

According to Fernandes, the project is budgeted at 15 million US dollars.

He also said his institution is seeking assistance from the American government for concrete actions on specialist training, focused on natural resources, minerals, issues related to mega projects and financial services.

For his part, Chapman expressed the willingness of his government to work with Mozambique on technical assistance and authorized auditing, an area where the American government has vast experience.

The Mozambican Tax Authority is responsible for tax collection and for preventing and combating tax evasion. Fernandes said that in carrying out its primary task, which is to generate revenues for the state budget, the AT has succeeded in ensuring 'fiscal stability, by meeting the goals set by the government.'