Letter regarding the U.S. Income Tax Treaty with New Zealand and the New Tax Convention with Malta

The Honorable John Kerry
Chairman
Committee on Foreign Relations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

The Honorable Richard Lugar
Ranking Member
Committee on Foreign Relations
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Kerry and Ranking Member Lugar:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, appreciates your leadership in securing ratification of the protocol amending the U.S. income tax treaty with New Zealand as well as the new tax convention with Malta.

Investments between the United States and these two countries sustain thousands of good jobs and billions of dollars in bilateral trade each year. Because the tax systems are so complex, it is not uncommon to see instances of double taxation of income earned by U.S. companies doing business in these countries. These agreements provide significant benefits by giving investors greater certainty regarding their potential tax liability. They also promote economic growth and job creation while fostering fairness in international tax treatment.

Thank you for your leadership in advancing these important tax agreements. The Chamber stands ready to provide any and all assistance that you believe would be helpful as the Senate considers approval of similar tax accords.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten
Cc: The Members of the Committee on Foreign Relations