Japan 50th Anniversary Symposium (Opening remarks)

50 years ago Tokyo was just emerging on the global stage as a world class city, as host of the 1964 Olympics. This was the same year that Japan joined the OECD. At this time, Japan was a nascent industrial power. Today, Japan is one of the largest economies in the world, with GDP per head of around $50,000 and close to $1 trillion of exports of goods and services, said Angel Gurría.

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From growing inequalities to inclusive growth

OECD analysis shows that income inequality has been on the rise in most OECD countries since the 1980s, which often means growing exclusion in the labour market, lower intergenerational social mobility, and greater polarisation in educational and health outcomes.

Friends of the OECD’ Parliamentary Group Launch

Japan’s contribution to the work of the OECD over the past half century, has been remarkable: you are one of our most active members – a benchmark for other member countries with respect to the development and implementation of well-designed policies and best practices. The creation of this Group is yet another example Japan’s commitment to making the OECD a lynchpin of global policy dialogue and increasing its impact, said Angel Gurría

Celebrating Japan’s 50th Anniversary - Press conference of OECD Secretary-General, in Tokyo

Firstly, and most importantly, this year marks Japan’s golden jubilee: 50 years as a member of the OECD. Japan was our first Asia-Pacific member country, and has paved the way to strengthen the OECD’s ties within the region. This year, for the second time, Japan is chairing our Ministerial Council Meeting – the most important annual decision-making event of the Organization, said Angel Gurría.

Enhancing Global Nuclear Safety

Nuclear energy provides society with a secure supply of low-carbon, baseload electricity that enables our economies to function. But of course, safety must be the first priority, without exception. Following Fukushima, international efforts have focused on enhancing nuclear safety to enable our economies to continue enjoying the electricity that nuclear power can provide, said OECD Secretary-General in Japan.

OECD Tohoku School Address

This learning experience is an important model for other countries recovering from natural disasters as well. It demonstrates how they can best invest in their most precious resource – their young people!

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• Mr. Angel Gurría, Secretary-General of the OECD, in Japan, 6-10 April 2014

OECD’s Gurría backs Abe’s move on VAT

OECD Secretary-General, Angel Gurría, congratulated Japanese Prime Minister Abe on his announcement today that Japan will raise its consumption tax as legislated from the current 5% to 8% next April.

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• アンヘル・グリアOECD事務総長による安倍総理に対する祝辞

アンヘル・グリアOECD事務総長による安倍総理に対する祝辞

アンヘル・グリアOECD事務総長は、安倍総理が10月1日に消費税を現在の5％から8％に上げると判断したことに対して、祝意を表しました。

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• OECD’s Gurría backs Abe’s move on VAT

The OECD and Japan: helping pave the road to recovery

The new government’s resolve to revitalise the economy through a three-pronged strategy, combining bold monetary policy, flexible fiscal policy and a growth strategy is most encouraging, said OECD Secretary-General.

Toward New Dynamic Growth

Japan is emerging from a difficult five-year period, marked by two major shocks -- the 2008 global financial crisis and the tragic 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake -- and three recessions. We admire the courage and resolve of the Japanese people in face of such adversity and we confirm our feeling of optimism and dynamism in Japan, said OECD Secretary-General.