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About OECD
OECD is an intergovernmental organisation grouping 30 countries with democratic government systems and market economies, whose mission is to help economies to function smoothly in support of increased prosperity for all. The United States is one of 20 founding members; as the largest economy among OECD countries, it is also the largest contributor, financing just under one quarter of its annual budget.
Through more than 100 committees and working groups bringing together experts from national capitals, OECD works to address many of today’s most pressing concerns, from climate change, economic turbulence, and the scarcity of natural resources such as food and water, to the impact of global migration, freedom of investment, and work to eradicate poverty. With a staff of around 2 500, almost all based in Paris, OECD champions open, competitive and innovative market economies, sharing its expertise and analysis with more than 70 developing and emerging market economies. Its twice-yearly Economic Outlook publications are closely watched for their analysis and forecasts of economic performance in the world’s main economies. Its working methods are based on sharing experiences and best practices, and frank and open dialogue among governments.
History of OECD
Indeed, OECD is synonymous with international partnership. It was in the building that is now its headquarters – the Château de la Muette – that the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of post-war Europe took shape, financed largely by the United States and administered by OECD’s forerunner, the OEEC - Organisation for European Economic Co-operation. This rebuilding of Europe’s economies still stands out as one of the most significant examples of international co-operation ever.
In 1961, the United States and Canada joined their European allies in creating OECD as the OEEC’s successor. Between 1964 and 1973, its membership expanded to include Japan, Finland, Australia and New Zealand. Mexico joined in 1994, followed by the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Korea and the Slovak Republic. Now, as globalisation is changing the world’s economic profile, the OECD is changing too.
Under the guidance of Angel Gurría, a former Mexican finance minister who is its first Secretary-General from an emerging economy, OECD continues to evolve. In 2007, OECD opened negotiations with five countries that are candidates for membership – Chile, Estonia, Israel, Russia and Slovenia. And privileged relations have been established with Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa.
The United States, like other OECD countries, benefits from membership both through the impact of OECD work on its own economy and in terms of its influence in international discussions on global issues.
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OECD provides a platform to support the Heiligendamm Dialogue Process, launched at the June 2007 G8 Summit with a view to deepening co-operation between G8 countries and the major emerging economies of China, India, Brazil, Mexico and South Africa through a joint issue-oriented dialogue.
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OECD provides a forum for co-ordinating the aid efforts of major donor countries, enabling the United States to develop broader international recognition and support for its aid efforts and policy priorities.
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OECD’s Partnership for Democratic Governance is a multilateral initiative to help countries emerging from conflict to bridge short-term gaps in essential public services while developing their long-term capacity to deliver such services.
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OECD’s Anti-Bribery Convention serves to create a level playing field for fair business competition around the world.
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OECD work setting international standards for testing chemicals saves businesses and governments millions of dollars.
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OECD “rules of the game” for information technology help build security and trust for the on-line environment.
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