Lack of enforcement jeopardises South Africa’s fight against foreign bribery; OECD concerned that political and economic considerations may be an influence

South Africa must take urgent steps to proactively investigate and prosecute foreign bribery. No foreign bribery cases have been prosecuted since South Africa joined the Convention in 2007. The 4 on-going investigations – out of only 10 allegations that have surfaced to date – are also far from reaching the prosecution stage, according to a new report by the OECD Working Group on Bribery.

Czech Republic is recovering, but more must be done to jump-start income convergence with euro area countries, OECD says

The Czech economy is finally coming out of a prolonged recession but must take further steps to speed up income convergence towards the euro area countries, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of the Czech Republic.

G20 GDP Growth - Fourth quarter of 2013, Quarterly National Accounts, OECD

Quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the G20 area grew by 0.8% in the fourth quarter of 2013, down from 0.9% in the previous quarter, according to preliminary estimates.

Dutch water governance faces challenges from demographics and climate

The Netherlands is a global pioneer in water management with a long history of containing flood risks and reclaiming land from the sea. Yet it will need to adapt its water governance policies to meet the looming challenges of shifting demographics, regional development and climate change, according to an OECD report.

Statement by the OECD regarding the status of the accession process with Russia & co-operation with Ukraine

Further to a meeting of its governing Council on 12 March 2014, the OECD has postponed activities related to the accession process of the Russian Federation to the OECD for the time being.

Recovery continuing in G7 countries, but emerging economies are mixed, OECD says

Recovery is under way in the world’s advanced economies, underpinned by supportive financial conditions and reduced drag from budgetary tightening, but activity in the major emerging markets is mixed, according to the OECD’s latest Interim Economic Assessment.

Poland can grow faster through labour market and pro-competition reforms, OECD says

Poland’s economic performance has been impressive over the past 15 years, but further reforms are now needed to put the economy firmly back on track for stronger and sustainable growth, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of Poland.

Also Available

• Polska może rozwijać się szybciej poprzez reformę rynku pracy i wspieranie konkurencyjności, podaje OECD

New approach needed to boost strong and sustainable tourism growth, says OECD

Governments should recognise tourism’s role as an essential driver of jobs and growth and boost their support for the sector. The industry today accounts for 4.7% of GDP and 6.0% of employment in the developed world, according to a new OECD report.

Also Available

• OECD Tourismusbericht: Nachhaltiges Wachstum in der Branche braucht neue Ansätze

OECD Economic Survey of Poland launches Monday 10 March 2014

The OECD’s latest Economic Survey of Poland, to be published on Monday 10 March 2014, assesses the country’s impressive economic performance over the past decade, as well as the challenges posed by the abrupt slowdown that began in 2012.

OECD Interim Economic Assessment launches Tuesday 11 March 2014 at 12:00 p.m.

OECD Deputy Secretary-General and Acting Chief Economist Rintaro Tamaki will present the near-term prospects for the G7 economies and China on 11 March 2014 at 12:00 p.m. (Paris Time).