A cerimónia de abertura contou com a presença do ministro das Finanças, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, do presidente da IFA, Guglielmo Maisto, do secretário-geral da IFA, Jean-Blaise Eckert, e do presidente do Congresso e da Associação Fiscal Portuguesa, Rogério Fernandes Ferreira.
Durante o discurso de boas-vindas de Rogério Fernandes Ferreira, que aqui partilhamos, um momento marcante foi a leitura de uma mensagem enviada por António Guterres, Secretário-Geral das Nações Unidas, sublinhando a relevância do debate internacional em torno da fiscalidade justa e sustentável.
Ao longo dos cinco dias, especialistas, académicos e profissionais irão partilhar perspetivas, analisar tendências globais e discutir os principais desafios que se colocam no domínio fiscal, num encontro que coloca Lisboa no centro do debate internacional neste setor.
Na ocasião, o Presidente do Congresso proferiu as seguintes palavras:
Opening ceremony speech (Sunday, 5 October 2025)
Dear Colleagues,
Dear IFA friends,
I am really proud and honoured to welcome you to Lisbon,
for what - I am confident to say - will be the best IFA congress ever!
For most of you, this not your first time in Lisbon, nor in Portugal.
But I am certain this is the first time you are in Portugal for an IFA Congress,
even if this is not the first time IFA family gathers in Lisbon for a Congress.
The first IFA Congress in Lisbon took place in 1966,
just a year after the founding of the Portuguese branch.
That year – 1965 - marked the beginning of one of the most important Portugues tax reforms.
The year of 1966 represents the launch of the international tax studies in Portugal,
with the hosting of the Congress
and the signing of our country´s oldest tax treaty - with the United Kingdom -,
starting the long journey of the Portuguese tax system modernization.
A Journey that we are proud to continue leading.
As you may imagine,
I was not present at that first Congress.
I was too young, … i could hardly walk!
My first IFA experience came years after, in 1980, in Paris,
where I accompanied my father.
I was still very young,
but since then, I have attended over 30 IFA congresses.
Some may think I was very interested, since the beginning, in international taxation.
No…, I was following my father, and travelling, and taking the opportunity to see the world.
But as off that first Congress, I had the dream to organize a new congress in Portugal.
And today this dream has become reality.
IFA Congresses are the highlight of our professional year.
They bring together leading experts from all over the world to exchange knowledge,
expand network,
and to discuss the most pressing issues related to international taxation.
This year’s scientific program promises to be exceptional.
Our two General Subjects are “residence for corporate income tax purposes” and “improper use of tax treaties and source taxation”.
Moreover, and in addition to these two IFA main seminars and the signature IFA seminars,
we will have stimulating discussions focusing on topics such as the implementation of Pillar II and corporate income tax decluttering,
wealth taxation,
the liability of tax intermediaries,
taxation and ESG’s,
transfer pricing
and intra-group services.
Let me also remind you of the IFA Lunch Dialogues Series,
which will be taking place from Monday to Wednesday during lunch time.
Given the record number of Portuguese attendees,
i strongly encourage you to connect and to expand your networks with colleagues and partners who share your passion for taxation!
Of course,
… a Congress is not only about technical debates.
It is also about experiencing the host city,
And Lisbon is vibrant city!
Our capital, blending old-world charm with contemporary dynamism,
offers a unique experience to everyone who comes here!
Our venue –Lisbon Convention Centre - is in one of the most prestigious areas of the city: Belém.
It is also where our President of the Republic has his official residence.
So … you will surely be in good company!
Tagus River, the iconic Jeronimo’s Monastery, the Monument of the Discoveries, and the Belém Tower are just around the corner.
… and, as well, the original shop of “pastéis de Belém” – where the famous Portuguese custard pies were invented,
You can expect a variety of cultural and social activities,
tailored to give you all a great stay in Lisbon city.
We will not forget to show you some of Portuguese traditions and – I hope - the best fado performance you will ever experience!
Everything is set for you.
My sincere expectation is that, at the end of this week, you will look back and say:
“Lisbon hosted the best IFA Congress of all time”
I wish you a very pleasant week,
hopefully one of the most productive and enjoyable of your lives!
Welcome to Portugal!
Welcome to Lisbon!!
Welcome to the 77.º IFA Congress!!!
I am staying with you for two more minutes to share a special message from the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
As you know, he is Portuguese, and he is a former Portuguese prime minister.
And although it seemed almost certain that he would join us here - physically - at some point,
the world events have, unfortunately, made his presence impossible.
Still, he kindly sent us a message.
This message is particularly meaningful to me,
as I was honoured to serve his last government in Portugal as Secretary of State for fiscal affairs.
So, it is therefore with both gratitude and pride that I read his address:
MESSAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL FISCAL ASSOCIATION
Lisbon, 5 October 2025
I extend warm greetings to all members of the International Fiscal Association as you convene in Lisbon on October 5th -- a date of national significance for Portugal and a moment of global reflection on fiscal justice.
The United Nations welcomes the IFA’s enduring leadership in shaping international tax discourse. Your Congress comes at a pivotal time. Member States are negotiating a Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation. This process aims to build a fairer, more inclusive, and development-aligned global tax architecture -- one that reflects the realities of all countries, especially the most vulnerable.
The recent tax-related work of the United Nations has focused on providing guidance and practical tools to help countries design policies on digital services taxation, environmental taxes, tax transparency, and extractive industries taxation, while also supporting developing countries in strengthening domestic resource mobilization.
These efforts align with the IFA’s mission of advancing international cooperation and knowledge-sharing in fiscal matters – a mission you have consistently upheld across generations.
Your agenda reflects the complexity and urgency of today’s fiscal challenges. The expertise of IFA is vital and your deliberations in Lisbon can help bridge technical insight with global ambition.
Let us work together to ensure taxation serves people, planet, and peace.
Best wishes for a successful and productive meeting.
António Guterres
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