On the occasion of OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann's visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship, Pablo Quirno, submitted Argentina's Initial Memorandum to the Secretary-General, taking an important step forward towards accession to the OECD.
The Initial Memorandum is a preliminary self-assessment by Argentina of alignment with OECD standards of Argentina's legislation, policies and practices. Its submission launches the technical phase of the OECD accession process.
In line with Argentina's Accession Roadmap, adopted by the 38 Member countries of the OECD in March 2024, in-depth technical dialogue will now begin with 25 expert committees covering a wide range of policy issues including investment climate, financial markets, and regional development.
Throughout the accession process, the OECD Members and Argentina will engage in a series of dialogues that will support Argentina in bringing its legislation, policy and practices closer to OECD standards and best practices. In this way, OECD accession serves as a powerful catalyst for reform.
"The OECD accession process complements Argentina's ambitious economic reform agenda, helping to strengthen the foundations of growth over the medium to long term through structural reforms aligning its legislation, policies and practices with OECD standards and best practices," Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. "It will be mutually beneficial, reinforcing international confidence in Argentina's policy settings, helping to drive stronger sustainable growth and increases in incomes and living standards, while enhancing the OECD's engagement with a major G20 economy."
Argentina has been a valuable partner of the OECD for over four decades, having participated in several OECD committees and adhered to more than 60 OECD standards, including on international taxation, anti-corruption and investment.
The OECD Council took the decision to open accession discussions with Argentina on 25 January 2022, along with other five countries from Europe and South America.
