16/12/2005 - The 2005 Annual Report provides an account of what the 39 adhering governments have been doing to enhance the contribution of the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises to the improved functioning of the global economy.  In five years, the Guidelines have consolidated their position as one of the world's principal instruments in the field of corporate responsibility.

The Guidelines are recommendations to international business for conduct in such areas as labour, environment, consumer protection and the fight against corruption.  The recommendations are made by the adhering governments and, although they are not binding, governments are committed to promoting their observance. 

This publication also provides an overview of corporate responsibility in the developing world.  Many developing countries have officially adhered to the multilateral instruments underpinning the concepts and principles of the OECD Guidelines and there is growing engagement by non-OECD business communities in many areas of corporate responsibility.