"The OECD is the best marriage between development and social well-being"

The entry of Costa Rica to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is one of the priorities of Dyalá Jiménez, Minister of Foreign Trade, since this membership would include the country " in the best marriage between development and social welfare. "

The country began this process on April 9, when the OECD Council unanimously agreed to send the invitation, to begin its process of incorporation into the organization.

To date, 12 of the 22 requirements have been met, formalities, fiscal problems and governance being the main challenges

Why is it so important for Costa Rica to get into the country? OECD?

This is not just a certificate and that is all. The country can continue to participate and contribute. We are a strong democracy, the most consolidated in the region and we have a renewable energy policy that we can share with the 34 member countries.

In which areas should it be improved?

The priority is education: bilingual, mathematical, engineering, and teach our children to think critically; it's very important for development.

Having a good foundation in education, we can increase technology and innovation and attract better foreign direct investment.

One of the major complaints that employers must address to the OECD is to speed up the procedures, what will it coordinate in this area?

This is a priority for the government because not only would this reduce costs for businesses, but it would also reduce the informality that is about 44% at the moment. We want all informal employees to become small and medium enterprises, so that they can enjoy the benefits of the formality.

To this end, we will work in a tripartite alliance between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the promoter of foreign trade. and Comex, so that we can improve and transform agricultural conditions, since this sector has succeeded in taking advantage of exports and accounts for 75% of jobs.

So, imagine what could be done if it was transformed and given to the technology transfer and innovation sector

The entrepreneurs claimed in a note published in THE REPUBLIC as the big leagues or go to the World Cup in Russia, but in what specific areas do we need to improve?

High standards must be advanced in all areas: corporate governance, investment, competition, financial markets, public services, education, environment and public administration.

Do some sectors fear that economic and social differences between other member countries will not be recognized?

It is very clear that each country is different, but OECD respects this individuality. Everyone is different, Japan, Norway, Korea, Chile, the United States, France and the only thing they have in common is improving the quality of life of citizens.

Once Costa Rica has entered, technicians and ministers can attend OECD Council meetings, listen to experiences and make recommendations on how to achieve best practice in different areas.

Profile

Name Dyalá Jiménez Figueres

Position Minister of International Trade

Occupation Lawyer and Arbitrator International

Professional Experience

Director General of DJ Arbitration

Advisor to the Vice President of the Republic, Rodrigo Oreamuno (1996-1998)

Advocate of the House of International Trade of Chile (1998-2005)

Advisor to the Minister of Finance, Edgar Ayales (2013)

Advisor to the MP Sandra Piszk (2015)

Co-editor of the Bulletin of the International Court of 39 ICC arbitration and member of the ICC Institute of International Business Law

Studies conducted

Bachelor's degree in UCR Law and Master's degree in International Law at the University of Paris Georgetown University