U.S. Firmly Committed to Global Economic Development Group

17 May 2011

Under Secretary of State Robert Hormats

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will chair the upcoming Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development ministerial meetings, which mark the group’s 50th anniversary, the State Department announced.

Clinton hopes “to underscore the U.S. commitment to the OECD,” according to a senior State Department official.

“The United States is proud to be a partner with the OECD as we celebrate this milestone anniversary,” said Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs Robert Hormats during a press briefing May 17.

He said the OECD has proven itself a “critical partner in advancing prosperity” around the world by setting competitive standards and employing best economic practices.

“The OECD works to advance prosperity and economic development among its members and throughout the global economy,” Hormats said, adding that “economic development is directly connected to promoting peace and stability” around the world.

The under secretary and OECD Deputy Secretary-General Richard Boucher spoke to reporters at a joint briefing in Washington to discuss the agenda for the May 25–26 ministerial meetings.

Hormats said talks will focus on trade, employment, development and environmentally friendly growth practices. Boucher said the group also plans to examine gender issues and to release an interim report on “how women can be empowered through education, entrepreneurship and economic activity.”

Hormats and Boucher praised the United States’ strong engagement with the OECD.

“America’s commitment is one that has endured and remained strong for the whole 50 years of the existence of the OECD,” Hormats said. He added that the United States contributes nearly $100 million annually to the organization.

“We’re very proud of the work that Americans in government, business and labor have done in contributing to the OECD’s mission through our participation in its bodies, research and projects,” Hormats said.

He said the group was established in an effort to fulfill the vision of Europe “free, economically secure and at peace.” Hormats said the anniversary ministerial “will celebrate the success of that vision.”

The meetings also will also mark the organization’s development as a worldwide network of 34 member countries, Hormats said. Boucher added that key partners China, India, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia also will participate in the talks, as will Russia, which is working toward accession to the OECD.

Clinton will lead the U.S. delegation in Paris, where the OECD is based. She will be joined by USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk, and Austan Goolsbee, chair of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.

The OECD expects that more than 60 foreign ministers and 15 heads of state will attend.