A few days ago, my colleague and friend at the Inter-American Center of Tax Administrations (CIAT), Francisco Beiner, known as “Pancho,” retired after more than 30 years of service in this institution. He also had an important career within the Tax Administration of his country, Chile. For me, sharing the last three years with him at CIAT has been an honor, as I have learned from his expertise and his extensive knowledge of the Tax Administrations of Latin America and the Caribbean.

If I had to highlight some of Pancho’s qualities, I would emphasize that he is a public servant who unequivocally supports the CIAT member countries and is fundamentally inspired by the values of efficiency, generosity, and loyalty.

Efficiency, We can see how the events organized by CIAT have always been well-executed, particularly the general assemblies and technical conferences. The dedication, affection, and care that Pancho always put into their implementation were fundamental, ensuring that they always ran like clockwork and that all the Tax Administrators and their companions felt appreciated and supported. He was always attentive to the smallest details, making people from very different countries and cultures feel at home.

Generosity, Pancho generously shares all the knowledge he has accumulated, and believe me, there is plenty. He shares it with all his colleagues and collaborators with the aim of making things work perfectly. His good humor and polite treatment of everyone are hallmarks of his behavior with any interlocutor, regardless of their position within the multiple organizations related to CIAT.

Loyalty, Pancho’s unconditional support to CIAT’s executive secretaries has been fundamental for their success. Allow me to make a special mention of the period I witnessed most intensely, during which the team formed by the Executive Secretary and the Director of Institutional Relations and Operations, Marcio Verdi and Francisco Beiner, worked seamlessly. This partnership allowed CIAT to perform excellent work with its member countries and with other countries requesting help and advice. From an economic and budgetary perspective, CIAT can look to the future with confidence, thanks to the good management implemented over the years.

For all these reasons, it will be difficult to replace Pancho. However, organizations must be greater than their best individuals, and I am confident that together we will be able to meet the organization’s needs effectively. It is essential to preserve the magnificent atmosphere in CIAT, which owes much to the work done by Pancho for more than three decades.

I am so proud to have known you and to have shared so many good moments with you, both personally and professionally. I wish you the best in this new stage with your wife Jimenita and your family, my dear friend.

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