Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international forum where member countries discuss and develop economic and social policy. Its stated aim is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well‑being.

Key points

• Membership (as presented here): 37 countries, typically democratic and market-oriented economies.
• Founded: Convention adopted Dec. 14, 1960 (building on the post‑war OEEC).
• Headquarters: Château de la Muette, Paris, France.
• Purpose: Research, policy recommendations, statistical data, and peer review on economic, social and environmental issues.
• Notable activities: international tax reform initiatives (including work with the G20), anti‑bribery and anti‑financial‑crime efforts, and technical assistance for market reforms in transition economies.

Brief history

After World War II, the Organisation for European Economic Co‑operation (OEEC) was created in 1948 to administer Marshall Plan reconstruction and to promote cooperation among European countries. In 1961 the OEEC transformed into the OECD when the United States and Canada joined the European members, extending the organization’s scope beyond Europe.

Functions and activities

The OECD performs several core roles:
* Research and analysis: Produces reports, forecasts and statistical databases on global, regional and national economic trends.
Policy guidance: Issues recommendations on economic policy, social issues (for example, the economic impact of gender discrimination), and sustainable development.
Tax and anti‑corruption work: Leads international efforts to curb tax avoidance and financial crime, including coordinated projects with the G20 and anti‑bribery initiatives.
Peer review and standards: Encourages transparency and good governance through peer pressure and the promotion of international standards (e.g., lists of non‑cooperative tax jurisdictions; earlier lists were cleared after commitments to meet OECD standards).
Technical assistance: Advises and supports countries—particularly in Eurasia and Eastern Europe—implementing market‑based reforms.

Impact on international tax policy

The OECD has been central to global tax reform discussions, notably in efforts to reduce profit shifting and tax avoidance by multinational corporations. Estimates referenced by the organization place the annual global revenue loss from corporate tax avoidance in the hundreds of billions of dollars, spurring cooperative measures with the G20 and national authorities.

Publications and data

The OECD maintains extensive statistical databases and publishes economic outlooks, country reviews and thematic studies that inform governments, policymakers, researchers and the public.

Why it matters

By providing evidence‑based analysis, policy recommendations and a platform for international cooperation, the OECD influences tax policy, regulatory standards, and reforms that affect economic stability, trade and social outcomes across many of the world’s advanced economies.

Further reading

OECD — official website and publications (history, data, policy papers, tax and anti‑corruption work).