Published on 1 February 2026

Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

The OECD brings together 38 member states for the purpose of jointly developing their economic, financial, educational, social, environmental and development policies. It promotes the sharing of experience and the coordination of international policy. The permanent delegation in Paris represents Switzerland's interests and is actively involved in numerous OECD committees and working groups.

This photo illustration shows the OECD logo on a smartphone screen.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which is based in Paris, supports governments in their efforts to meet the economic, social and environmental challenges of today’s globalised economic environment. Currently, the OECD has a membership made up of 34 industrialised nations, and plays a central role in promoting good governance in both the public and private sectors, and, through its analytical activities and sector oversight, helps states maintain the competitiveness of their most important economic sectors and implement their strategic plans. In addition, it contributes to the development of new international rules in those areas where it sees a need to establish a level playing field through the development of international instruments such as conventions, decisions and recommendations.

In view of the marked shift in the balance of economic power in the world and the challenges of globalisation, the OECD plays the role of an international forum in economic matters. In 2007, the OECD members decided to introduce a policy of enlargement, and it is currently reviewing applications for membership from Russia. The second pillar of its enlargement policy involves so-called enhanced engagement, though which it aims to develop closer contacts with important emerging economies such as Brazil, Indonesia, China, South Africa and other emerging nations, and to include them in its activities.

FDFA thematic domains with the OECD

The OECD was established in 1961, and Switzerland is founding member. As a nation outside the G7/G8, the G20 and the European Union, the OECD is an important international platform for Switzerland to safeguard its interests. Switzerland is committed to fostering a permanent dialogue among OECD member states with the aim of implementing sustainable and progressive policies.

On 13 March 2009, the Federal Council decided to adopt the OECD standard on administrative assistance in tax matters in accordance with Art. 26 of the OECD Model Tax Convention. In the process of revising its agreements on the avoidance of double taxation with other countries, this decision allows new double tax agreements to provide for the exchange of information in individual cases where a specific and justified request has been made.

Delegation of Switzerland to the OECD

Like all member countries, Switzerland has a permanent delegation to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Represented by the Swiss Ambassador, it has a seat on the OECD Council, the organisation's highest decision-making body. Switzerland contributes to the OECD in accordance with the size of its economy, and helps determine both the work programme and annual budget.

The Swiss delegation follows the work of the OECD in its various institutions and plays an important role in liaising between the Swiss authorities and the OECD Secretariat. It represents Switzerland's interests in multilateral negotiations, identifies areas in which Switzerland can benefit from the OECD and raises awareness of OECD recommendations in Switzerland.

Documents

Contact

Delegation of Switzerland to the OECD
28, rue de Martignac
France - 75007 Paris