Paris (AFP)

Apple CEO Tim Cook wants the taxation of multinationals "be decided at the level of the OECD" and also says that the currency "must remain in the hands of the States", in an interview at Friday's Echos.

"The question put to us multinationals is whether we pay our taxes in the right place, we think so," says Tim Cook.

The boss of Apple notes that "there are ongoing procedures in Europe on this subject". "I hope this issue is resolved at the OECD level," he says. "What is needed is a global regime decided at the OECD level," he insists.

Tim Cook further assures that "Apple is the world's largest taxpayer". "Apple has always paid taxes where we create value," he adds.

The US computer giant is in conflict with the European Commission, which has asked it to repay Ireland 13 billion euros in tax benefits deemed undue by Brussels. This dispute has been presented to the European court which has to decide.

Asked about the possibility that Apple could create his currency, Tim Cook replied "no". "I think deeply that the currency must remain in the hands of the States," says the boss of Apple, who says "not comfortable with the idea that a private group creates a competing currency", in a spades another giant in the digital economy, Facebook, which plans to create a virtual currency.

"A private company does not have to try to gain power in this way, and money, like defense, must remain in the hands of states, it is at the heart of their mission," says Tim Cook.

Asked about the Gafa "perceived as arrogant", the CEO of Apple judges that "some have probably been arrogant (...) hence the criticism".

But "in terms of a dominant position, we can absolutely not say Apple," he continues, "look at our market share."

Invited to discuss his relationship with Donald Trump, Tim Cook explains that "it is someone with whom we can discuss, who answers the phone" and "accepts the fact that we do not always agree". "He's listening," he adds.

As for the trade dispute between the United States and China, the boss of Apple thinks "that there will be a trade agreement with China" and "hopes that ultimately each country will waive the increase in customs duties "..

"We need our two countries to win, otherwise the world will lose," he says.

© 2019 AFP