Economy

Finance minister: Nothing can stop Brazil’s drive to join OECD

Still in Davos, Haddad talked about the World Economic Forum

Luciano Nascimento

Published on 18/01/2023 - 16:23

Brasília

O ministro da Fazenda, Fernando Haddad, dá entrevista coletiva,para detalhar as primeiras medidas econômicas do governo. — © Valter Campanato/Agência Brasil

Brazil’s Finance Minister Fernando Haddad said today (Jan. 18) that the country may request changes in its proposal to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The topic is being discussed in a working group that should advise President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the next steps to be taken by Brazil, he said.

The minister pointed out there is nothing preventing the nation from requesting its admission to the group in accordance with its interests. He noted that the country already takes part in meetings by a number of OECD technical committees. “It’s not an all-or-nothing situation. There’s room for discussion. Brazil can make changes to its request. So can other countries,” he added, after meeting with OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

G20, Brics, and Mercosur

Minister Haddad pointed out that Brazil’s international agenda in the next few years is likely to become complex, as the country will assume the presidency of a number of multilateral organizations. The country must develop a solid policy for its participation in these multilateral mechanisms, he added.

“Brazil's relationship with the world is very complex, involving many forums. Brazil assumes the presidency of the G20, then of the Brics and Mercosur. [The country] has a strong presence in all the forums and participates in all the multilateral organizations, so it needs to design a policy, and this will be done with the Foreign Ministry. Then, the ministries will be brought in line with the president’s determination,” he declared.

On Davos

Regarding Brazil’s participation in the Davos Forum, Haddad said the outcome was positive, adding that the country was able to convey tranquility to the international community, after the pro-coup riot on January 8.

“I’m leave [the forum] satisfied with what I heard about Brazil. When I came here, I was surprised with the degree of concern about Brazil. I think the message from [Environment Minister] Marina Silva and me showed that Brazil remains strong, and people were happy to hear it,” he said.