Yesterday, the OECD and Greece agreed to work together on the design and implementation of the structural reforms needed to ensure inclusive and sustainable economic growth. OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras signed a Joint Document of Co-operation to strengthen the collaboration following talks in Paris between OECD experts and Greek ministers on a range of issues, which include: boosting job creation; reducing the administrative burden to business; public finance and spending; instilling a culture of transparency and integrity; strengthening the tax system; disrupting oligopolies and cartels through greater competition and product market reform.

In his opening remarks, Gurría said: “The fact that the new Greek government has asked for the OECD’s help with their reform agenda shows that they want to get it right. The design, promotion and legislation of a solid reform package will be crucial, but the real key to success, as proven by many member countries, lies in the magic of implementation… And we stand ready to help also on this front.”

On his part, after signing the agreement, Tsipras pledged that his government will pursue reforms in line with commitments to Greece’s creditors aimed at putting the economy back on track. The Greek premier also delivered a keynote speech to an audience of OECD staff and guests on Reforming Greece within a Changing Europe. He stated that: "The core of our policies is not to reform Greece; it is to transform it," by seeking the coexistence with balanced growth of all sectors of the economy, including environmental imperatives that affect every branch of the economy. He added that the country has entered a new, historic era and in that context, "our collaboration with the OECD is an important step along this path."

OECD: Keynote Address by the Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras (12.03) & Press conference of Secretary General and Prime Minister of Greece [video]