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Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development

The end of the Cold War, globalisation, and the new global security paradigm following the 9/11 attacks have seen a rapid increase in arms production and producers across different geographic regions, as well as the growth of private security enterprises in areas that were previously primarily state-controlled. International markets in military and security assistance including conventional weapons and ammunition, related services such as training and maintenance and the provision of personnel and other services via private military and security companies.

These are particularly relevant to fragile and conflict-affected contexts given the demand that emanates from these contexts for the equipment and services international markets in military and security assistance offer. At best, international markets in military and security assistance can help state security services to provide responsive and accountable services to their populations. At worst, they can provide the tools, know-how and people to commit human rights violations and other crimes.

Data on public expenditures on law, order and defense are taken from national accounts sources, compiled according to the Classification of the Functions of Government (COFOG). These data cover all expenditures, whether current or capital, undertaken by general government. Defense expenditures are those related to military and civil defence, military aid in the form of grants (in cash or in kind), loans (including equipment) and contributions to international peacekeeping forces, and research and development expenditures related to defence.

The OECD's origins date back to 1960, when 18 European countries plus the United States and Canada joined forces to create an organisation dedicated to economic development. By 2015, 34 Member countries spanned the globe, from North and South America to Europe and Asia-Pacific. They include many of the world’s most advanced countries but also emerging countries like Mexico, Chile and Turkey.

The OECD also works closely with emerging economies like the People's Republic of China, India and Brazil and developing economies in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Together, the goal continues to be to build a stronger, cleaner and fairer world.

In May 2013, the OECD Council decided to launch accession discussions with Colombia and Latvia; in April 2015, it invited Costa Rica and Lithuania to open formal OECD accession talks. In a previous accession round in 2007, the OECD Council decided to open accession discussions with Chile, Estonia, Israel, the Russian Federation and Slovenia. In 2010, Chile, Estonia, Israel and Slovenia became Members. Following its meeting on 12 March 2014, the OECD Council postponed activities related to the OECD accession process for the Russian Federation for the time being.

In May 2007, the Council, meeting at ministerial level, invited the Secretariat to strengthen OECD cooperation with Brazil, India, Indonesia, the People's Republic of China and South Africa through "Enhanced Engagement" programs. These Key Partners contribute to the OECD's work in a sustained and comprehensive manner. A central element of this cooperation is the promotion of direct and active participation of the Key Partners in the work of substantive bodies of the Organisation.

China on 02 July 2015 officially joined the Development Centre of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) during Premier Li Keqiang's historic visit to the OECD headquarters in Paris. Li Wei, president of the Chinese Development Research Center of the State Council (DRC), accepted the OECD's official invitation to join the OECD Development Centre. The OECD Development Centre is a forum where countries come to share their experiences of economic and social development policies to help decision makers find policy solutions to stimulate growth and improve living conditions in developing and emerging economies.

Tunisia became a member of the Development Centre of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on 11 March 2015. Secretary General of the OECD, Angel Gurria signified by a letter to Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Mhammed Ezzine Chlaifa, the formal acceptance by the organization of Tunisia’s membership in the center. Angel Gurria said this membership will help strengthen the partnership relations between Tunisia and the OECD. He praised the efforts of democratic transition in Tunisia, reiterating the willingness of the OECD to support its development efforts.

On 8 July 2015, the 34 OECD Members adopted the Roadmap for the Accession of Costa Rica to the OECD Convention setting out the terms, conditions and process for its accession. This follows the decision taken by the OECD Council on 9 April 2015 to open accession discussions with Costa Rica. Other countries currently on the path to accession since May 2013 are Colombia and Latvia. The roadmap for Lithuania was also adopted on the 8 July 2015.