Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

HISTORY AND PRESENT STATUS

The OECD is a group of like-minded countries which together produces two-thirds of the world's goods and services. The OECD has its origins in the Organisation for European Economic Cooperation, formed in 1947 as an essential instrument of the Marshall Plan for post-war Europe. It was transformed by Convention into the OECD with an enlarged membership in 1960 and today the Organisation comprises 29 members. The Organisation provides a forum for member countries to consult and cooperate with each other in order to achieve the highest possible sustainable economic growth, improve the living standards of their populations and contribute to world-wide development.

South Africa is not a member of the OECD, but interacts with various subsidiary bodies of the Organisation. South Africa's highest formal relationship with the OECD is observer membership of the Committee for Scientific and Technological Policy (CSTP). The Department of Agriculture is a member of the Seed Schemes for the Varietal Certification of Seed Moving in International Trade (under the Agricultural Committee). South Africa has also requested observer status to the OECD panel on Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

More information can be obtained from the OECD’s website.

OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND COOPERATING ORGANISATIONS

Agriculture
Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
Education
Environmental Affairs and Tourism
National Treasury
Labour
Public Enterprises
Public Service and Administration
Trade and Industry

GENERAL COMMENTS

South Africa has been invited to participate in the following events for 1999:

The Emerging Market Economic Forum (EMEF) 4th International Workshop on the Practical Application of Tax Treaties, including a Workshop on Taxation and E-Commerce (September 16-17, 1999);

The Conference on the Role of International Investment in Development, Corporate Responsibilities and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (September 20-21, 1999);

The Workshop on Barriers to Trade in Goods and Services in the Post-Uruguay Round Context (September 27-29, 1999);

OECD Paris Forum on Electronic Commerce: Towards Convergence of Stakeholder Interests (October 12-13, 1999).