Environment: OECD supports Israeli initiative to develop a green growth plan
In recent years Israel has strengthened its environmental policies and now should develop a green growth plan that combines environmental, economic and social policies.
Environment: The Slovak Republic should integrate environment into its economic development
As the Slovak Republic strives to increase productivity and competitiveness in the recovery from the financial crisis, the OECD Environmental Performance Review of the Slovak Republic recommends that it strengthen environmental policies.
Reform urgently needed to ensure long-term growth in Czech Republic, says OECD
The Czech economy’s export-driven recovery is slowing as weak activity Europe curbs exports. Swift implementation of new reforms is needed to ensure sustainable, inclusive long-term growth and better resilience to external shocks, according to the latest Economic Survey of the Czech Republic.
Health: medical care improving but better prevention and management of chronic diseases needed to cut costs, says OECD
Though overall medical care is improving, efforts to prevent and better manage chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma would improve results and lower costs, according to the OECD’s latest edition of Health at a Glance.
Tax revenues stabilise in OECD countries in 2010
OECD countries acknowledge that taxes must play a role in the process of fiscal consolidation as they battle unprecedented budget deficits. In 2010, the majority of OECD governments have stabilised their tax to GDP, with the average ratio moving up slightly from 33.8% in 2009 to 33.9% in 2010.
Czech Republic should further develop its framework programme for preschool education, says OECD
The Czech Republic should build on the strengths of its preschool education framework to further enhance the quality of its early childhood education and care services, according to a new OECD report.
Society: Governments must tackle record gap between rich and poor, says OECD
The gap between rich and poor in OECD countries has reached its highest level for over over 30 years, and governments must act quickly to tackle inequality, according to a new OECD report.
OECD’s Gurría welcomes Italian government measures to strengthen public finances
OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría has welcomed the measures adopted by the Italian government to address fiscal sustainability while boosting growth and equity.
OECD Steel Committee signals growing uncertainty over industry outlook
The outlook for the global steel market has become more uncertain, according to industry and government officials at the OECD’s Steel Committee meeting in Paris on 5-6 2011 . Policies to support open markets for raw materials are key, they said.
Employment: mental health issues rising in workplace, says OECD
Mental illness is a growing problem in society and is increasingly affecting productivity and well-being in the workplace, according to a new OECD report.