With 36 member countries from across North and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, the OECD exists to shape the issues that matter most to business and to society, facilitating dialogue and providing world-leading research and analysis from its hundreds of experts. From delivering new evidence examining the impact of climate change on cities, to supporting new international tax rules, the institution is a vital pillar of the international system.
As the UK continues on the path to leaving the European Union, organisations like the OECD will only become more important for British companies, both to ensure that the voice of the country’s businesses is heard, and to maintain links to key trading partners. The CBI has already seen a surge in interest in institutions like the WTO, the OECD and the B20. We expect this to continue to grow, and the CBI will be supporting members to increase their engagement on the key issues dealt with at the global level.
This trip forms a key part of this programme of work. Over the course of two days, Deputy Director-General, Josh Hardie, was in Paris to participate in meetings with:
- Ed Llewellyn, the UK Ambassador to France
- Chris Sharrock, UK Permanent Representative to the OECD
- Ken Ash, Director, Trade and Agriculture, OECD
- Russel Mills, Secretary-General, Business at OECD.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates in the next few weeks, as the CBI will be working with members over the Summer to help companies better understand how international organisations like the OECD work, and to advertise spaces available for members to join Business at OECD. We are particularly interested in hearing from firms keen to contribute to global debates around climate change, trade, inclusive growth and tax. Please do get in touch with the International Trade Team to hear more.