The Business at OECD (BIAC) General Assembly convened in Paris on February 17, 2025, bringing together business leaders and employers’ federations from member nations. The assembly focused on pivotal issues confronting the global business community in 2025, including rising geopolitical tensions and the increasing unpredictability of international relations.
A notable participant at this year’s event was Thailand’s private sector delegation from the Committee on OECD Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), which recently became an observer member of BIAC in October 2024.
As global conditions become more fragmented, business leaders have emphasized the need for a stable, rules-based international order. With mounting geopolitical uncertainties, there is a growing consensus that business success relies on predictability. The OECD has long played a central role in fostering private-sector-driven growth, advocating for open markets, and shaping policies grounded in evidence. However, the future of key global challenges such as tax policies, trade tariffs, and sustainable transitions remains in flux as globalization faces unprecedented threats.
The General Assembly underscored the essential role of economic cooperation in reinforcing global competitiveness and mitigating volatility. The session yielded three key recommendations:
Enhancing Business Competitiveness: The assembly stressed the importance of structural reforms in OECD countries to remove barriers, streamline bureaucratic processes, and reduce regulatory burdens. It highlighted the OECD’s role in providing vital data and policy recommendations to address pressing business constraints, including tight labor markets, trade barriers, and geopolitical risks affecting energy prices. The Business at OECD Economic Policy Survey revealed concerns about labor skill mismatches, regulatory inefficiencies, and a lack of incentives for innovation and research.
Shaping the Future of Industries: Innovation and technological progress were identified as vital to overcoming global challenges. The assembly called for government policies that foster business growth without over-relying on state-driven strategies. A market-oriented approach is essential to ensuring competitiveness, particularly in emerging sectors. The OECD’s role in setting international standards for new technologies, including cybersecurity and trusted data exchanges, was emphasized to safeguard global business interests.
Promoting Open, Fair, and Competitive Markets: Participants discussed the growing threat of protectionism and economic nationalism, noting that de-globalization could reverse the gains made through multilateralism. The OECD was urged to advocate for the benefits of international trade and investment while working towards the removal of tariff and non-tariff trade barriers. In line with global sustainability goals, the assembly also highlighted the importance of sustainable supply chains and the OECD’s responsibility to integrate environmental sustainability within trade policies.
The 2025 BIAC General Assembly presented valuable insights for advancing economic cooperation, stability, and sustainable growth. In a significant step towards greater economic alignment, the Thai government has begun preparations for OECD membership by submitting its “Initial Memorandum: Preliminary Self-Assessment against OECD Legal Instruments.” This self-assessment, which is expected to be submitted by the end of 2025, will evaluate Thailand’s legislation, policies, and practices in relation to OECD standards.
This self-assessment marks the beginning of a reform process that will involve collaboration across the public, private, and civic sectors. Thailand’s active participation as a BIAC observer will support its ongoing efforts to simplify regulations, drive digital transformation, and promote sustainable finance and corporate governance. By aligning with OECD principles, Thailand hopes to bolster its competitiveness, build a more resilient economy, and contribute to a more stable global economic environment.
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