The global economy is moving forward, but divergence between countries and regions reflects the uneven progress made toward recovery from the economic crisis, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Outlook. Historically high unemployment remains the most serious challenge facing governments.

New trade data measured in value-added terms shows that services – such as logistics, design, and transportation - are far more important to global commerce than they appear in traditional calculations of exports and imports.

The OECD’s latest Economic Survey of New Zealand, to be published on Wednesday 5 June 2013, looks at how the country can build on its growing economic momentum and create more equitable and sustainable long-term growth.

Merchandise trade growth increased in the major economies during the first quarter of 2013. Compared to the fourth quarter of 2012, the value of merchandise imports and exports for the total of G7 and BRICS countries increased by 1.3% and 2.8%, respectively.

OECD governments have committed to stepping up their efforts to tackle high youth unemployment and strengthen their education systems to better prepare young people for the world of work.

How will global agriculture develop over the coming decade and what role will China play? With limited expansion of farmland and rising production costs, will supply be able to keep pace with demand to ensure food security?

People care for the environment, and a large majority state that they are willing to make compromises to green their lifestyle according to a new OECD survey of 12,000 households. However, the economic crisis has taken its toll, and the survey shows that the environment is slipping down on the list of people’s priorities.

Global agricultural production is expected to grow 1.5% a year on average over the coming decade, compared with annual growth of 2.1% between 2003 and 2012, according to a new report published by the OECD and FAO today.

With 7 billion people in the world today and 9 billion by 2050, we must invest in development that will meet the growing demands for food, water and energy. The new OECD publication Putting Green Growth at the Heart of Development suggests that these investments could define a path for inclusive growth and sustainable development by focusing on people’s needs and prospects while respecting the environment.

OECD和FAO发布的新报告指出，预计未来十年全球农业生产年平均增长率为1.5%，与之相比，2003年到2012年的年增长率为2.1%。