In the footpath of development that Japan followed after the Second World War, the OECD has 
played a critical role. Since Japan joined the OECD as the first non-transatlantic country in 1964, 
only three years after the organisation's establishment, Japan has actively participated in the 
discussions and activities of the organisation, and it has made the best use of the policy analyses 
and advice in the planning of its national economic policies. The OECD is sometimes called the 
“global think tank”, with its corps of specialists not only on economics but also on development, 
social affairs, education and the environment, and it has made solid contributions to the 
international agendas of the day. I would like to reiterate the significant role the OECD has 
played in the stable development of the world economy.

Future challenges

Half a century has passed, however, and we are in the midst of the structural changes 
characterised by the emergence of new economies. We are also faced with global challenges, 
such as climate change, as well as social agendas, such as ageing societies. Furthermore, 
after the recent unprecedented financial and economic crisis, international co-ordination is 
required now more than ever, so as to ensure sustainable economic paths.

How can the OECD contribute to these political agendas, while maintaining and strengthening 
its relevance in the global economy?

I believe that it is crucial for the OECD to continue to prove its attractiveness in the expanded 
global context as well as in its relations with non-members, while keeping its valuable traditions. 
These traditions include the peer-learning process, in which members jointly learn from the 
experience and knowledge of others. The culture of carrying out frank exchanges of views and 
fruitful discussion is invaluable, and it was from this culture that a number of rules and extensive 
policy useful to members have been developed.

To our great satisfaction, the appeal of the OECD seems to have recently become recognised 
by non-members, including the emerging economies. I understand that various policy fora 
related to the OECD are now taking place in various corners of the world, as outreach activities. 
Many policymakers and specialists from the emerging and developing countries are actively 
taking part in these meetings. Especially in the Southeast Asia region - which has been 
designated as a strategic region for the OECD - many countries are learning from specialised 
policy advice of the OECD, designed to put into place the right environment for international 
investment. Japan will continue to assist the OECD with such outreach initiatives.

Another good tradition of the OECD is its capacity to undertake horizontal analyses and 
address structural issues. This is the capacity to provide analyses not from a single policy 
viewpoint, but from a multi-disciplinary angle. In addressing global challenges, such horizontality 
is needed. For example, the Green Growth Strategy cuts across various policy areas, such as 
industrial innovation, the environment, population demographics and education. I also believe 
that it is an OECD strength to provide objective policy advice on what must change in order to 
address structural problems.

I hope that the OECD will make the best use of these strengths and advantages in addressing 
global challenges, which seem to be becoming more complex. I highly value the contributions 
that the OECD is making to the G8, G20 and APEC under the leadership of Secretary-General 
Angel Gurría. I believe these are very useful, drawing upon the comparative advantage the 
OECD has developed to date. I hope that the OECD will fully express its specialised capabilities 
in the global arena, and that it will play a role worthy of the name “the world's OECD”.

Japan's political agenda and the OECD

The issues which Japan has to tackle, such as fiscal consolidation, employment, development 
of human capital, education and ageing are topical agendas discussed in the OECD. Japan 
adopted the New Growth Strategy in June 2010 pledging to realise a strong economy, robust 
public finances, and strong social security system in an integral manner. In September, the 
government of Japan established the Council on the Realisation of the New Growth Strategy, 
and started discussions on the concrete measures to be implemented. I greatly appreciate the 
valuable contribution the OECD made in drafting the strategy.

I believe that the solutions for the social and economic challenges we face can also be the 
catalyst for the creation of new demand and employment. It is important that we harness these 
for new growth. The OECD is instrumental as the source of specialised knowledge and wisdom 
for this purpose. I believe there is ample scope for members as well as emerging economies 
to further make use of the OECD.

Every year, a number of ministers, policymakers and specialists visit the OECD for various kinds 
of meetings. They express their views, listen to statements by other participants, and use these 
as reference for their own policies. Talented OECD staff carry out analyses and give policy 
advice based on such discussions. The history of 50 years of such engagement is worthy 
of our highest respect.

As I look back upon the past 50 years and think of the OECD's expected role in the future, 
I am confident that the OECD will continue to make valuable contributions to the international 
community, as an international organisation of high added value. Let me assure you that Japan 
will not spare any efforts for this purpose.


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