The Government of Panama has launched its plan to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), with the creation of a high-level Permanent Commission. The commission's purpose is to plan, advise on, and coordinate actions and initiatives for the country's accession process to the international body. This measure was established in Executive Decree No. 12 of March 9, 2026. 'The Commission will set the guidelines and general criteria that will guide the participation of public entities and bodies in the accession process to the OECD,' the document details. Furthermore, it will establish general guidelines and criteria to guide the participation of public administration entities in Panama's accession to the OECD. The decree also states that the Ministry of the Presidency (attached to the Ministry of Foreign Relations), through the Secretariat for Economic Affairs and Competitiveness, will coordinate and supervise the execution of these guidelines, ensuring their compliance in all involved entities. It is highlighted that the Executive Secretariat of the commission must prepare progress reports on the process, which will be periodically delivered to President José Raúl Mulino. The document emphasizes that Panama's future accession to the OECD 'represents a strategic opportunity' to strengthen its institutions, enhance competitiveness, attract direct investment, and consolidate its position in the global economy. It also states that joining the organization implies adopting reforms in key areas such as governance, justice, education, the environment, and the fight against corruption. 'Contributing to the modernization process of the Panamanian State and the strengthening of international trust,' the text reads. The Government established that the commission will be integrated by the ministries of Foreign Relations, Presidency, Economy and Finance, Trade and Industries, Social Development, and the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (Antai), which it considers address key issues for the modernization of the State and compliance with the standards required by the international organization.
