Foreign Affairs Minister Oscar Maurtua on Tuesday presented the current situation of the process of incorporating Peru into the
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Before a Congress special commission, the minister stressed that Peru's link to the OECD is a political will of the State, raised in 2012 and sustained at the highest level by the governments which had ruled this country since then.
According to the Cabinet member, this will was reaffirmed by President Pedro Castillo to the OECD General Secretariat.
"Accession to the OECD is not an end in itself but a process which seeks to shape an efficient State that offers (high) quality services in education and health, contributes to closing inequality gaps, as well as promotes inclusive and environmentally sustainable development focused on citizens," he expressed.
According to the diplomat, the incorporation will allow Peru to continue with the implementation of OECD recommendations for institutional strengthening, as well as the improvement of regulatory frameworks and good practices in public services.
Likewise, he emphasized it opens up the opportunity to rely on greater investment and capital flows.
Milestones
The Foreign Affairs Minister mentioned that —during the accession process— there have been milestones such as the implementation of the Country Program between 2014 and 2019.
This program resulted in institutional reforms in areas such as economic growth, governance, integrity, productivity, and the environment, the ambassador said.
Progress
Moreover, the diplomat highlighted as progress the signing of the anti-bribery agreement, which is in line with the anti-corruption policy promoted by the Peruvian Government.
Similarly, he mentioned the signing of the agreement to prevent tax avoidance and boost joint efforts with the OECD to improve the management of water resources, on whose basis a report on water governance was prepared.
In addition, two studies are being conducted to strengthen access to justice and to improve students' capacities in the education sector.
Minister Maurtua also reminded lawmakers that the accession of Peru to the OECD is a process which takes time and requires the commitment of all political actors.
The OECD is an international organization that works to build better policies for better lives. Its goal is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity, and well-being for all.
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Published: 11/16/2021