**A new look at the OECD**

**Accession is a long, but possible path**

by Cesar Cunha Campos, Director of FGV Europe and FGV Projetos, OECD Knowledge Partner since 2010

In May, we will return to the Forum of the OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development – and we will do so with renewed motivation. The process of Brazil's accession to the organization was promoted in Davos, when President Jair Bolsonaro stated that he would seek to integrate Brazil into the world by incorporating the best international practices, such as those adopted and promoted by the OECD. It was the first time that a Brazilian president publicly mentioned the organization and put the issue on the economic agenda. The political will was clearly demonstrated and reflected the desire to converge to the technical criteria of the OECD.

If the opening of the Brazilian economy is a priority, as Minister Paulo Guedes has pointed out, then becoming a full member of the OECD is one of the paths. The fact that Brazil is formally linked to the "club of rich countries" – which has among its members also the emerging economies from Latin America – will allow us to rise to the level of the more advanced economies. It will be a long trajectory to adapt to the norms, but it is a possible path if the political instruments are properly aligned.

Established in 1961 and based in Paris, the organization counts with 37 member countries, including some of the most developed nations. The defense of the free market and the respect for international trade rules are at the base of its creation, aiming at the continued economic development of the members, which presupposes maintaining financial stability and encouraging the creation of mechanisms for job creation. These are ambitious goals, but they are on the government agenda and meet the demands of the Brazilian population.

Brazil has already acquired certain merit towards full membership, for having participated since almost two decades in the negotiation rounds on the development of the world economies. In July 2017, the country entered the application process for joining the organization, now reiterated by Bolsonaro.

The OECD is interested in having Brazil as a full member in order to expand the dialogue with the major emerging economies. This interaction allows the organization to remain up-to-date regarding the discussions about the international economic system, closely assessing the growing impact and influence of the emerging countries in the international scenario. There is no doubt that this is an opportunity for Brazil. In the globalized world, exchanging experiences, understanding trends, discussing public policies and adopting best practices is essential for formulating the transformative policies that the country needs.

Being accepted as a full member will imply adherence to the normative texts of the organization, that is, commitments regarding the adoption of rules and exposition of policies adopted internationally. It will require an understanding of the importance of the adherence by the parliament, the judiciary, and the direct participation of the relevant government bodies in the various committees.

The OECD is a relevant institution, with great influence on international agenda setting and high technical capacity. Greater proximity of Brazil to the organization would be a strategic reinforcement for the adoption of policies for the economic renewal of the country. This is all we need.

Published on March 12th, 2019 in the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo.