Blanar: OECD Membership Helps Slovakia Improve People's Quality of Life

Bratislava, 14 December (TASR) - Membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) helps Slovakia to modernise its economy and improve the quality of life for its people, Foreign Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar (Smer-SD) said on Sunday on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Slovakia's OECD membership. "Thanks to OECD membership, several important reforms have been implemented over the past years in the fields of education, healthcare, agriculture, development cooperation, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as in the application of democratic principles and the fight against corruption," he stated. Blanar highlighted the benefits of membership in terms of economic development and implementation of reforms which are crucial for transforming Slovakia's economy and strengthening its position on the international scene. "Slovakia's GDP per capita, which has grown steadily since joining the organisation in 2000, can also be seen as a specific benefit of OECD membership," he said, adding that entry into OECD "was a confirmation of Slovakia's relevant position in a free, secure, and prosperous world, as well as the prestige of being part of the world's most economically advanced countries, a group which to this day doesn't even include all EU states". He also spoke about Slovakia's activities within the organisation where it currently participates in over 200 committees, as well as working and expert groups. He highlighted the ceremonial event recently organised by the Foreign Ministry to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Slovakia's OECD membership, which was attended by OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann. "The high-level international representation and the very positive feedback from the participating countries are proof that we are respected and that Slovakia is an asset both within the OECD and in other organisations," concluded Blanar. jrg