14-April-2016
English
SMEs typically account for more than half of business sector activity and around two-thirds of employment. Young SMEs, in particular, contribute disproportionately to creating jobs. Yet business dynamics have been slowing in most of our economies, limiting SMEs’ contributions to investment, growth, jobs and social inclusion, at a moment when they are sorely needed.
13-April-2016
English
Once again, we have proved the value of this parliamentary network. Our countries are in great need of innovative policies and effective reforms, and the best way to come up with these solutions is by sharing our experiences, our knowledge.
13-April-2016
English
Prime Minister, Ministers, thank you for the invitation to share with you our thinking on the global economic outlook and the challenges ahead.
12-April-2016
English
I wish I could get this meeting under way by assuring you that all is well with the world economy and that policy settings are delivering good results, but unfortunately this is not the case. Eight years after the global financial crisis, stronger global growth remains elusive and downside risks remain high.
12-April-2016
English
This is a timely event as Japan gears up to host the G7 Isé-Shima Summit in May to tackle a range of global challenges related to economic growth, diversity, disaster management, trade, investment, and development. The Global Parliamentary Network aims to provide a platform where legislators from Asia and beyond can share their policy challenges and best practices, and bring back the best solutions to their own countries.
11-April-2016
English
Japan has already taken some bold and determined steps in recent years to tackle its economic, social and environmental challenges. But broad-based reforms across a range of areas are still needed.
11-April-2016
English
Japan's commitment to territorial development will be crucial in tackling the urgent challenge of population ageing and shrinking – a challenge which is the main focus of this report.
11-April-2016
English
Women represent a vast untapped resource for Japan. Their employment rate in 2014 was fully 18 percentage points below that of men. Closing that gap is particularly urgent for Japan: the total population in Japan has already begun to fall and is projected to decline by almost 25% by 2050. Moreover, the share of the elderly (65+) is projected to rise from around 26% today to almost 40% at mid-century.
7-April-2016
English
The OECD has a long history of accompanying governments in their efforts to improve agricultural and food policies. Please use this meeting to tell us how we should continue to do that in the years to come.
7-April-2016
English
I am delighted to welcome Prime Minister Orbán to the OECD Council, just a month before the 20th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to the OECD. Today, we discussed with the Prime Minister two decades of partnership, marked by achievements but also great challenges.