Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Any meeting with the leadership of an international organization, such as the OECD, is always invaluable. But today’s meeting with the new Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann, is truly special. Not only because he comes from Australia, a country where Hellenism is prospering, and because Athens is one of the first capitals that he is visiting. But, mostly, because the assumption of his duties coincides with the crucial role that the OECD is called to play in the aftermath of the pandemic.
It is true that in its 60 years this supranational organization has served what its name denotes: economic cooperation and development. Its mission, however, is now becoming more complex, as the last global economic crisis was followed by this health emergency, with repercussions on many levels. And as the latter has not been fully dealt with yet, the world now seeks new solutions that will help it adapt to the new circumstances.
As we had the opportunity to discuss with dear Mathias, the aim cannot simply be to return to the pre-Covid state of affairs. But rather to make good use of this experience in the days that will follow.
In other words, the global recovery needs to be coupled with reducing inequality and boosting international solidarity, with global vaccination being the first goal.
Of course it also needs to be combined with employment growth in all countries and with the fight against the global challenge of climate change.
A huge step towards this direction is, of course, the deal on a new architecture for international taxation, which was reached yesterday, based on the OECD’s recommendations.
Greece supported these recommendations from the start, not only as a matter of principle, but also as a necessity in this circumstance; a prerequisite for sustainable development is that part of the wealth remains in the countries where it is produced. So that progress does not only concern corporate giants, but all peoples as well. Indeed, this deal has been a great victory of economic diplomacy, it inspired more than 130 states. But it also is a victory for the point of view in favor of more balanced growth. On one hand, levying corporate taxes in the jurisdictions where firms operate, instead of their declared headquarters, will yield approximately 100 billion euros annually, while it is estimated that the 15% tax rate will generate 150 billion per year in additional revenue for governments.
Therefore, the challenges for an institution of international cooperation, like the OECD, are now bigger than ever, dear Secretary-General. And Greece will stand at your side in this. Besides, our country’s appreciation for your organization is already evident. Both with the successful candidacy of Anna Diamantopoulou for the position of the Organization’s Secretary-General and with the presence of the Greek Minister of Digital Governance, Kyriakos Pierrakakis, in the presidency of its key institution, the Global Strategy Group.
In terms of direct moves, I need to say that I completely agree with the new OECD draft on safe mobility after the pandemic. I also agree with the initiatives you have taken on international coordination, so that vaccines can reach countries that do not have the capacity to procure them. In fact, yesterday, the digital Covid-19 certificate went into effect for all EU member states. This was a Greek idea that was implemented within a very short period of time and, of course, Greece was one of the first countries that joined this great undertaking, which ensures the free and unhindered movement of our citizens within the EU. However, this Organisation that was born in the aftermath of World War II needs to play a leading role in the new social and economic reconstruction that will come after the pandemic.
Under these circumstances of overall regrouping, I believe that our proposal, the proposal of the Greek government, for the establishment of an OECD Centre in Crete, on the interaction of economic and demographic developments, becomes more pertinent.
On the fault line between two major continents, a demographically-pressured Europe and Africa, which is thriving in terms of population, I think that such an Observatory will yield valuable data for your Organisation’s planning, and I believe it is an option worth exploring.
In closing, I find myself optimistic for this new chapter of the OECD, under the leadership of a true citizen of the world. For those who do not know, he was born in Belgium in a german-speaking household, he studied in french- and flemish-language universities, he traveled to Berlin when he was 19, in order to witness the fall of the Wall. When he was 25 he went to Australia, assuming important posts in the service of his second homeland. He now returns to Europe, at the helm of a global organisation.
Dear Mathias, your vast knowledge and experience, your cosmopolitan perspective, your interesting personal journey, I am certain that they all foreordain your success. We will steadfastly stand at your side to make the OECD even more effective in dealing with major global challenges.
