Business leaders from BIAC global network convened in Paris for the 2024 edition of its Annual Consultation with the OECD Secretary-General, leadership and ambassadors. Organized under the theme Charting the Course for Competitiveness, Business at OECD called on the OECD to urgently reinforce the competitiveness of our market-based democracies. OECD leadership was led by Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann, who chaired and contributed to the discussions.
The meeting was attended by Eng. Stefan Chaikov, member of the Board of Directors of Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association-BICA, and Irina Yordanova, director “International Organizations” at Confederation of Employers and Industrialist in Bulgaria-KRIB, representative of the rotating chairman for 2024 of the Association of Bulgarian Employers' Organizations (AOBE), observer at Business at OECD (BIAC).
Led by Business at OECD Chair, Rick Johnston, the business delegation underlined the joint priorities of its members for OECD policymaking, stressing the need for the Organization to put a clearer spotlight on the cost and ease of doing business in its member countries. The consultation outlined policy recommendations to strengthen competitiveness from the perspectives of a globally operating business, as well as from an SME viewpoint. A special session highlighted the main priorities and challenges facing the private sector such as global security concerns, mapping rational pathways for the green transition and fostering economic participation.
The vital role of OECD to promote evidence-based standards for a pro-business environment globally was pointed out during the consultation. Views were shared regarding the enlargement of the organization, including the process of Bulgaria's and other countries’ accession to OECD.
This strategic engagement at the outset of the year sets the tone for follow-up business advocacy with the OECD and its 38 Member States, as the Organization prepares for the annual OECD Ministerial Council Meeting to be chaired by Japan in May.
The representatives of the Bulgarian employers also participated in Business at OECD General Assembly 2024, which included discussion on enlargement and strategic outreach, as well as a roundtable with Committee leadership and discussion with members on key policy priorities.
Business at OECD (BIAC) Position Paper Charting the Course for Competitiveness can be downloaded from here
