1. Second Vice Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will attend the 2015 OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) Ministerial Council Meeting, to be held under the theme “Unlocking Investment for Sustainable Growth and Jobs” in Paris, France on June 3-4.

o In the meeting, participants will discuss a range of issues, including investment to facilitate growth; innovation; the role of the business climate; investment for the transition to a low-carbon economy; relationship between trade and investment; developing the post-2015 development agenda; and the OECD’s role in successfully holding the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

o The Republic of Korea, as Vice-Chair of the upcoming Ministerial Council Meeting, has played an active role in selecting the theme of the meeting and preparing for the meeting. By actively participating in the Ministerial Council Meeting, the ROK will enhance its status in the OECD and contribute to the success of the Meeting.

2. Vice Minister Cho will attend ministerial breakout group and plenary discussions on investment for a low-carbon economy, and explain the ROK government’s policies concerning the transition to a low-carbon economy, including the carbon-emission trading system. In particular, Vice Minister Cho will request the OECD members’ interest and support to help the Green Climate Fund (GCF), hosted by the ROK, establish itself as a key financing organization in building developing countries’ capacity to respond to climate change.

o In addition, Vice Minister Cho will explain the ROK’s efforts to solve water-related problems, including the hosting of the 7th World Water Forum in April, which provided a forum for discussions among various stakeholders on water issues. He will also express hope that the results from the discussions at the Forum will be used in the OECD’s water-related activities.

3. In a session on the OECD’s role in implementing the post-2015 development agenda, Vice Minister Cho will present specific ways the OECD can contribute, including strengthening developing countries’ capacity to mobilize financial resources; estimating and monitoring resources for development; disseminating principles for effective development cooperation; and building capacity for disaster management and response. He will also stress that the OECD members need to continue to work to find practical solutions to implement the post-2015 development goals in their countries and help developing countries meet the development goals.

4. On the sidelines of the Ministerial Council Meeting, Vice Minister Cho will also meet with Chair of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Erik Solheim and Director of the OECD Development Centre Mario Pezzini. In the meeting, they will discuss the OECD DAC’s role in successfully implementing the post-2015 development agenda, as well as ways for the ROK and the OECD to cooperate in development, including joint research on the Saemaul Undong Project (new community movement).


*unofficial translation