Global reach has been integral to the work of the OECD since its beginning in 1961. Alongside the Organisation’s 38 Members, other countries and economies may be invited to participate in any of its committees and other bodies.
Such countries and economies are referred to as Partners, and their participation enables the exchange of best practices, standards and expertise. The Global Relations and Co-operation Directorate facilitates Partner engagement with OECD bodies.
Partners can be invited in three different capacities:
Council has designated Brazil, China, India, Indonesia and South Africa as Key Partners of the OECD. All Committees are expected to engage with these countries and can invite them as Invitee or Participant without prior Council approval. Inviting Key Partners as Associates still requires approval by Council.
Invitees and Participants are expected to participate actively in the committee's meetings and, for Participants, in other committee work and by providing the information which the committee may require. Associates are expected to meet the same conditions, but also to make a commitment to the committee's goals, practices and high standards, demonstrated by their policies and by adhering to the main legal instruments for which the committee is responsible.
Invitees do not pay annual fees, whereas Participants and Associates do. The annual fees are calculated every year, taking into consideration the official inflation rate of the OECD host country, France. Fees are pro-rated in the first year of participation, except for the Project on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS), for which the fee is fixed.
For the financial year 2024, the annual fees are as follows:
Invitations as Participant or Associate are usually issued for open-ended periods, although exceptions may apply. The OECD or the Partner itself may terminate a Partner's status with a 12-months notice. The OECD may also terminate this status immediately if the Partner repeatedly fails to meet its obligations, including the payment of its fees.
On the basis of its Global Relations Strategic Directions, each committee will draw up a Participation Plan, for approval by Council. These Plans identify the Partners and the capacity in which they have been invited. The Plans also specify the conditions to be met by Associates and the fees they have to pay.