**The “Litmus test” at OECD ** by Cesar Cunha Campos, Director of FGV Europe and FGV Projetos. Brazil's expectations for the outcome of the next meeting of OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) member states scheduled for April 18 in Paris are growing. The meeting will be the “litmus test" of the recent conversations between presidents Jair Bolsonaro and Donald Trump, in what was the first bilateral visit of the Brazilian since his inauguration, at which time it was discussed the implementation of our country as a full member of the institution. If the United States does present its proposal to extend the pool of participating nations, the next step will be to discuss the topic at the ministerial meeting at the annual OECD forum in May. The US's choice as the first visiting destination was strategic. The Bolsonaro government has made clear the reorientation of the country's foreign policy, highlighting the importance of the closer relationship between Brazil and the US, especially in the economic and commercial areas. This was already explained in Davos during the World Economic Forum in January, when the president registered his intention to seek integration with the world through the incorporation of the best international practices, such as those adopted and promoted by the OECD. The political will reflected the desire to converge to the institution's technical criteria. Sealing this provision, Trump expressed support for us to begin the process of accession to become a full member of the organization. An unmistakable speech. It is a fact that the implementation of this process does not depend exclusively on US support. The requirements for adhesion is substantial. Recall the case of Colombia that has been the object of analyzes and recommendations of 23 OECD commissions since 2013. Colombia, Chile, and Mexico represent Latin America in the organization, which is made up of 37 developed countries. Brazil has the challenge of adopting economic policies aligned with the group, which include improving the regulatory environment and governance, institutional modernization, anti-corruption policies and commitment to the environment, among others. For CNI (National Industry Confederation), we have already made great progress in adapting to the organization - we are the non-member country with the highest adherence to the OECD instruments, especially those related to trade, taxation and governance. Nowadays, there are 38 instruments that count on the adhesion of Brazil and we have already asked for the inclusion of 62 other instruments. The confluence of global standards of excellence is important for attracting future investments, and Brazil will undoubtedly have a new status in international relations. This movement of integration with other OECD countries will certainly be followed by a reduction of country risk, supporting both the public and private sectors, through the possibility of transforming the Brazilian business setting. The path to go is long. Today the country counts on a team of respected diplomats focused on the handling of this question, but it is necessary to progress. It is fundamental the engagement of the National Congress, the Judiciary, the productive sector, the academy, among other segments that think about a development project for Brazil. The rapprochement between Brazil and the OECD will further strengthen the country's economic transformation. Let us take this step and work to consolidate a more prosperous period. Published on April 9th, 2019 in the News Portal "Congresso em Foco". Click here to read the complete article.