The recent riots in Baltimore following the death of Freddy Gray bring a tragic focus, once again, on inequality. Maryland’s largest city, Baltimore is a perfect laboratory to study it, thanks in part to the superb comparative statistics the city keeps. OECD Insights Blog.

In January of this year I visited the Mexican state of Tabasco– a state crossed by rivers and facing the Gulf of Mexico. The state’s population has doubled over the past 30 years and its economy relies heavily on oil and natural gas resources. It has its challenges as well: unemployment, poverty and a lack of resources.

This paper re-estimates the elasticities of government revenue and expenditure items with respect to the output gap for OECD countries. These elasticities are used by the OECD to calculate cyclically adjusted fiscal balances. The study updates the earlier 2005 study using the most recent datasets and tax codes, the coverage being confined in this paper to 35 countries, the 34 OECD member states and Latvia.

Mayors from cities across the United States, Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America gathered in New York to launch a global campaign to address rising inequalities and foster inclusive growth in their cities, in their countries and worldwide.

Imports of counterfeit and pirated goods are worth nearly half a trillion dollars a year, or around 2.5% of global imports, with US, Italian and French brands the hardest hit and many of the proceeds going to organised crime, according to a new report by the OECD and the EU’s Intellectual Property Office.

The Paris floods are another call to action for the international community. Preventing such shocks from happening and limiting the damage they cause should be a public policy priority.

The global economy remains in a low-growth trap. In our latest Interim Economic Outlook global GDP growth is set to remain flat around 3% in 2016 and improve modestly to 3.2% in 2017.

The role of international organisations (IOs) is critical in the development of rules and standards that can help advance the well-being of citizens in an increasingly globalised world.

The Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) has devoted its 9th Annual Conference to opening direct channels of discussion on experiences, methodologies and innovative practices in the process of optimization of public administration in the Western Balkans.

The Global Forum provides a unique opportunity for OECD countries to engage with non-members, as well as parliaments, justice institutions, civil society and the business world, to discuss public governance issues and global concerns.

The OECD was part of the multi-stakeholder Advisory Board to help prepare the Global Risks 2017 report.

OECD Global Network of Schools of Government provides direct access to OECD governance expertise and enables exchange of schools’ experiences and good practices in ensuring that public sector employees have the skills and competencies to address current and future priorities.

This new report highlights the latest trends in government innovation. The topics identified through this review are not the only trends and examples in government innovation, but they do provide a glimpse of where government innovation stands today and where it may be going tomorrow.

Women’s representation in parliaments remains a global issue. In 2016, women constituted 23% of parliamentarians over both upper and lower houses combined, with the Pacific, Arab States and Asia having the lowest representation (16.4%, 18.2%, and 19.2% respectively).

The 2017 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum will tackle issues related to fair competition and economic growth, the inequality gap, a level playing field for business, the public interest in policy making and trust in government and politics

The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) coordinates global disaster risk reduction efforts among United Nations agencies and international organisations. The OECD is hosting an event to see how governments and stakeholders can best work together to strengthen economic and social resilience through improve risk governance.

It is hardly surprising that rising inequality has translated into growing political disaffection, anti-market sentiment and disenchantment with globalisation. In such a context, we desperately need to take action to promote inclusive growth and restore public confidence in the power of policymakers to improve people’s lives.

7-8 June 2016: This meeting of the Global Knowledge Sharing Network on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises provides an opportunity for policy makers from around the world to discuss priorities for SOE reform and to support implementation through knowledge sharing.

The 2017 OECD Global Anti-Corruption and Integrity Forum will tackle issues related to fair competition and economic growth, the inequality gap, a level playing field for business, the public interest in policy making and trust in government and politics

Drawing on data presented in the 2017 OECD Business and Finance Outlook, this article looks at some of the forces influencing recent economic developments and asks what can be done to ensure a “fairer” global economy.

Globalisation has failed to create a level playing field in trade, investment and corporate behaviour, being one of the factors contributing to a backlash against openness in many countries and a decline in confidence in government institutions.

30/05/2017 - Adrian Blundell-Wignall, Special Advisor to the OECD Secretary-General on Financial and Enterprise Affairs, argues that key corporate and financial issues must be addressed if globalisation is to work better for all. These issues are examined in the new 2017 OECD Business and Finance Outlook.

This essay by the OECD's Mats Isaksson and Serdar Çelik traces the evolution of global corporate governance standards and make the case for strong, clear, yet flexible public policy to support capital formation, economic stability, and growth. It is published by the Columbia Law School's Millstein Center for Global Markets and Corporate Ownership on the occasion of the Center’s 10-year anniversary.

30/01/2018 - The China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and the OECD today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that sets out their commitment to intensify co-operation to promote responsible business in global textile and apparel supply chains.

27-28 March 2018, Paris: Under the theme “Planet Integrity”, the Forum will debate how integrity cultivates a level playing field for business, reduces socio-economic inequalities, and makes public policies more effective - enhancing the benefits of globalisation for all.

20-21 June 2018, Paris: The Global Forum is the first multi-stakeholder platform for integrating corporate responsibility questions into the global economic agenda. Governments, business, trade unions and civil society will come together to provide insights and exchange views on how to do well while doing no harm in an effort to contribute to sustainable development and enduring social progress.

The OECD expects world economic growth to fall to 2.9% this year- its weakest annual rate since the financial crisis.

Algeria recorded a trade deficit of 2740 USD Million in the first quarter of 2019. Balance of Trade in Algeria averaged 1820.71 USD Million from 1992 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 34060 USD Million in the second quarter of 2006 and a record low of -2740 USD Million in the first quarter of 2019. The Algerian economy is highly dependent on petroleum and natural gas exports. Hydrocarbons account for over 95% of export earnings. Algeria main exports partners are United States, Italy, Spain, France and Canada. Algeria imports mainly capital goods, foodstuffs and consumer goods. Its main import partners are: France, China, Italy, Spain and Germany. This page provides - Algeria Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Bulgaria recorded a trade deficit of 421.40 BGN Million in February of 2020. Balance of Trade in Bulgaria averaged -666.92 BGN Million from 2000 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 98.50 BGN Million in July of 2017 and a record low of -2106.20 BGN Million in October of 2008. Bulgaria exports mostly fuels, manufactured goods (clothing, footwear), machinery and transport equipment and chemicals. Bulgaria's main exports partners are Germany,Turkey, Italy, Greece and Romania. Bulgaria imports fuels, machinery and transport equipment, metals, raw materials. Bulgaria's main imports partners are Russia, Germany, Romania and Italy. This page provides - Bulgaria Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Poland increased to 2216021.10 PLN Million in March from 2149467 PLN Million in February of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Poland averaged 1044355.30 PLN Million from 1996 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 2216021.10 PLN Million in March of 2020 and a record low of 208191.90 PLN Million in December of 1996. This page provides the latest reported value for - Poland Banks Balance Sheet - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Gabon recorded a trade surplus of 2018.60 CFA Billion in 2018. Balance of Trade in Gabon averaged 1975.78 CFA Billion from 1998 until 2018, reaching an all time high of 3233.90 CFA Billion in 2013 and a record low of 439.16 CFA Billion in 1998. In recent years, Gabon has been recording trade surpluses due to petroleum exports. With virtually no manufacturing industry, Gabon is dependent on imports of consumer goods and capital equipment. Gabon’s main trading partners are: China, United States and European Union. This page provides - Gabon Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Maldives recorded a trade deficit of 234.30 USD Million in November of 2019. Balance of Trade in Maldives averaged -117.37 USD Million from 2005 until 2019, reaching an all time high of -43.30 USD Million in April of 2005 and a record low of -258.60 USD Million in March of 2018. The Maldives runs consistent trade deficits, as it imports most of what it consumes and has a very small manufacturing base. The Maldives’ main export product is fish (accounting for over 40 percent of total exports). Others include engines and metal scrap. The Maldives mainly imports fuel, aircraft, wood, prefabricated buildings, iron and steel, telecommunication equipment, vegetables and cement. The Maldive’s main trading partners are the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, India, France, Thailand, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. This page provides - Maldives Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Afghanistan recorded a trade deficit of 5131.30 USD Million in 2018. Balance of Trade in Afghanistan averaged -4684.60 USD Million from 2003 until 2018, reaching an all time high of -1660.90 USD Million in 2005 and a record low of -8517.90 USD Million in 2012. Since 2006, Afghanistan´s trade deficit has been widening as imports have surged due to the reconstruction effort. Afghanistan main exports are: carpets and rugs; dried fruits and medical plans. Main imports are: petroleum; machinery and equipment and food items. Afghanistan´s main trading partners are: Pakistan (48 percent of total exports and 14 percent of imports) and Russia (9 percent of exports and 13 percent of imports). Others include: Iran, China, India, Japan and Turkey. This page provides - Afghanistan Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Romania recorded a trade deficit of 1.28 EUR Million in February of 2020. Balance of Trade in Romania averaged -666.21 EUR Million from 1992 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 137.60 EUR Million in February of 1996 and a record low of -2542.10 EUR Million in September of 2008. Romania exports mostly machinery and transport equipment, raw materials, and miscellaneous manufactured articles like textiles and footwear. Romania imports machinery and transport equipment, raw materials, chemicals and fuels. More than 70% of exports and imports are with other European Union members with Italy, Germany and France being the most important. This page provides - Romania Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Romania increased to 558342.80 RON Million in March from 539985.02 RON Million in February of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Romania averaged 391303.39 RON Million from 2007 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 558342.80 RON Million in March of 2020 and a record low of 181252.30 RON Million in January of 2007. This page provides - Romania Banks Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Croatia increased to 434076.80 HRK Million in February from 430472.50 HRK Million in January of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Croatia averaged 233180.40 HRK Million from 1993 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 434076.80 HRK Million in February of 2020 and a record low of 37395.70 HRK Million in December of 1993. This page provides - Croatia Banks Balance Sheet- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Madagascar recorded a trade deficit of 194250 million MGA in December of 2019. Balance of Trade in Madagascar averaged -259072.01 million MGA from 2008 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 177517 million MGA in December of 2018 and a record low of -772177 million MGA in June of 2016. Madagascar’s systemic trade deficit is due to the country’s dependency on the imports of fuel and capital equipment. Madagascar is a net exporter of graphite, coffee and vanilla. Main trading partners are: France, China and Indonesia. This page provides - Madagascar Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Czech Republic increased to 8201518.60 CZK Million in February from 8139085.60 CZK Million in January of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Czech Republic averaged 3834789.71 CZK Million from 1993 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 8201518.60 CZK Million in February of 2020 and a record low of 1097835 CZK Million in March of 1993. This page provides - Czech Republic Banks Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Lithuania increased to 32733.80 EUR Million in March from 32330 EUR Million in February of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Lithuania averaged 17247.24 EUR Million from 1993 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 32733.80 EUR Million in March of 2020 and a record low of 1426.30 EUR Million in December of 1993. This page provides the latest reported value for - Lithuania Banks Balance Sheet - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Israel increased to 1622240 NIS Million in November from 1616392 NIS Million in October of 2019. Banks Balance Sheet in Israel averaged 1320809.74 NIS Million from 2008 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 1622240 NIS Million in November of 2019 and a record low of 1037203.10 NIS Million in January of 2009. This page provides the latest reported value for - Israel Banks Balance Sheet - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Qatar increased to 1588578.20 QAR Million in March from 1566173.50 QAR Million in February of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Qatar averaged 301532.75 QAR Million from 1982 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 1588578.20 QAR Million in March of 2020 and a record low of 9829.80 QAR Million in January of 1982. This page provides - Qatar Banks Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Macedonia increased to 629160 MKD Million in November from 624755 MKD Million in October of 2019. Banks Balance Sheet in Macedonia averaged 361440.82 MKD Million from 2003 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 629160 MKD Million in November of 2019 and a record low of 113541 MKD Million in January of 2003. This page provides the latest reported value for - Macedonia Banks Balance Sheet - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Botswana increased to 99110.40 BWP Million in January from 98685.40 BWP Million in December of 2019. Banks Balance Sheet in Botswana averaged 70917.84 BWP Million from 2004 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 99110.40 BWP Million in January of 2020 and a record low of 14842.25 BWP Million in December of 2004. This page provides the latest reported value for - Botswana Banks Balance Sheet - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

Ghana recorded a trade surplus of 487.80 USD Million in February of 2020. Balance of Trade in Ghana averaged -160.43 USD Million from 2004 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 487.80 USD Million in February of 2020 and a record low of -733.10 USD Million in October of 2013. Ghana's main exports are gold, cocoa beans and timber products. Others include tuna, aluminum, manganese ore, diamonds and horticulture. It's main exports partners are Netherlands, Burkina Faso, South Africa and United Kingdom. Ghana imports mostly industrial supplies, capital and consumer goods and foodstuffs. It's main imports partners are China, United States, Belgium, United Kingdom and France. This page provides - Ghana Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Ghana decreased to 129697.53 GHS Million in January from 129697.91 GHS Million in December of 2019. Banks Balance Sheet in Ghana averaged 42231.65 GHS Million from 2002 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 129697.91 GHS Million in December of 2019 and a record low of 1923.60 GHS Million in December of 2002. This page provides -Ghana Central Bank Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Banks Balance Sheet in Slovenia increased to 43642 EUR in March from 42933 EUR in February of 2020. Banks Balance Sheet in Slovenia averaged 45878.98 EUR from 2007 until 2020, reaching an all time high of 54804 EUR in June of 2010 and a record low of 35893 EUR in January of 2007. This page provides - Slovenia Banks Balance Sheet - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Cameroon recorded a trade deficit of 43.20 CFA Franc Billion in June of 2019. Balance of Trade in Cameroon averaged -140.51 CFA Franc Billion from 2001 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 304.50 CFA Franc Billion in December of 2006 and a record low of -1186.80 CFA Franc Billion in December of 2014. Cameroon is a net exporter of raw commodities and a net importer of high value added goods. Main exports are: oil, gas, aluminium and gold. Cameroon’s main trading partners are: China, United States, France and Belgium. This page provides - Cameroon Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Burkina Faso recorded a trade deficit of 60.85 CFA Franc Billion in the third quarter of 2019. Balance of Trade in Burkina Faso averaged -37.03 CFA Franc Billion from 1998 until 2019, reaching an all time high of 79.64 CFA Franc Billion in the first quarter of 2018 and a record low of -276 CFA Franc Billion in the third quarter of 2017. Burkina Faso’s systemic trade deficit is due to the country’s dependence on fuel imports and volatile exports. A drought prone climate and commodities price fluctuations influence Burkina Faso’s main exports: gold (70 percent of total exports) and cotton (13 percent). Burkina Faso main trading partners are: China, France and Ivory Coast. This page provides - Burkina Faso Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Cuba recorded a trade deficit of 9112 CUC Million in 2018. Balance of Trade in Cuba averaged -4828.17 CUC Million from 1990 until 2018, reaching an all time high of -535.50 CUC Million in 1992 and a record low of -10570 CUC Million in 2008. Cuba runs consistent trade deficits as a result of low productivity and dependence on food imports. Cuba mainly exports nickel, cane sugar, cigars, fuel, beverages, metallic ores, fish, cement, oil and thyroid extract. Cuba mainly imports food, cereals, fuel, diesel engines, vehicles, motor parts and vegetable oils. Cuba’s main trading partners are Venezuela, China, Canada, Spain, Brazil, the Netherlands, the United States, México, Italy, France, Germany and Russia. This page provides - Cuba Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

South Sudan recorded a trade deficit of 2050.40 SSP Million in 2016. Balance of Trade in South Sudan averaged 881.44 SSP Million from 2008 until 2016, reaching an all time high of 6981 SSP Million in 2009 and a record low of -5843.10 SSP Million in 2012. South Sudan has recorded trade surpluses ever since its informal independence. This is due to exports of oil and still small import demand. Main trading partner is Sudan. This page provides - South Sudan Balance of Trade - actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.