Established in 1961 to replace the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), the OECD is an international organization composed of the industrialized market economy countries, as well as some developing countries, by providing a forum in which to establish and coordinate policies.

Comprises (1999) Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, the UK and the USA.

An international organization of developed countries that "provides governments a setting in which to discuss, develop and perfect economic and social policy." As of July 2002, it had 30 member countries.

a grouping of 30 countries sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. According to their website, the OECD is "best known for its publications and its statistics, [and] its work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics, to trade, education, development and science and innovation."

International organisation of 29 countries whose objectives are to achieve the highest sustainable economic growth and employment and living standards in member and non-member countries. Further information: www.oecd.org

An organisation of 24 developed countries, including Australia.

An international organisation which supports programs designed to facilitate trade and development. Abbreviation: OECD.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation of those developed countries that accept the principles of representative democracy and a free market economy. It originated in 1948 as the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC), led by Frenchman Robert Marjolin, to help administer the Marshall Plan for the reconstruction of Europe after World War II. Later its membership was extended to non-European states, and in 1960 it was reformed into the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

The OECD groups 30 member countries sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. Best known for its publications and statistics, its work covers economic and social issues from macroeconomics to trade, education, development, science and innovation.