Denmark: good hospitals but primary health care must improve

The Danish central government and regions are leading international efforts to reform hospital systems, improving quality and safety by gathering specialists into major hospitals and closing smaller ones.

Strengthen evaluation to improve student learning, says OECD

Education systems around the world are increasingly measuring the performance of teachers and schools as part of their drive to help students do better and improve results. Rising demand for higher education standards and a trend towards greater school autonomy in some countries are among the factors behind this new focus, according to a new OECD report.

Global Forum on tax transparency shifts focus to effectiveness of information exchange

The Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes (referred to as "the Global Forum"), has released its peer review reports for Belize, Finland, Iceland, Nauru, Poland, Portugal, Sweden and Turkey.

Malaysia joins OECD agreement on mutual acceptance of chemical safety data

Malaysia has joined the OECD system for the Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) in the Assessment of Chemicals, ensuring that its non-clinical safety data related to the protection of human health and the environment will be accepted by all 40 countries adhering to MAD.

OECD Economic Survey of Slovenia to be released Tuesday 9 April 2013

The OECD’s latest economic survey of Slovenia – to be published on Tuesday 9 April 2013 - looks at the action needed to pull the country out of recession and tackle the banking crisis. It also looks at improving public finances and strengthening growth over the long term.

Costa Rica refuerza la transparencia fiscal

Costa Rica ha depositado su instrumento de ratificación del Convenio sobre asistencia administrativa mutua en el ámbito de la fiscalidad, el acuerdo multilateral más amplio que existe en lo referente a cooperación fiscal e intercambio de información.

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• Costa Rica strengthens tax transparency

Costa Rica strengthens tax transparency

Rica has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters, the most comprehensive multilateral agreement available for tax-cooperation and exchange of information.

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• Costa Rica refuerza la transparencia fiscal

OECD develops new tool to help schools improve

The OECD has developed a new tool to help individual schools benchmark their students’ proficiency in reading, mathematics and science against the world’s top education systems. It will also give educators an insight into the learning environments at schools so they can consider ways to improve student learning.

Aid to poor countries slips further as governments tighten budgets

Development aid fell by 4% in real terms in 2012, following a 2% fall in 2011. The continuing financial crisis and euro zone turmoil has led several governments to tighten their budgets, which has had a direct impact on aid to poor countries. There is also a noticeable shift in aid away from the poorest countries and towards middle-income countries. A moderate recovery in aid levels is expected in 2013.

Consumer Prices, OECD - Updated: 3 April 2013

Consumer prices in the OECD area rose by 1.8% in the year to February 2013, compared with 1.7% in the year to January 2013. This slight increase in the annual rate of inflation masks opposing movements in energy and food prices.