Panama creates commission to promote OECD entry

The Government of Panama took a new step in its aspiration to join the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) with the creation of a permanent commission in charge of coordinating the country's accession process to this international organization. 

The measure was established by Executive Decree 12 of March 9, 2026, published this March 10 in the Official Gazette, signed by President José Raúl Mulino and Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez, which creates the Permanent High-Level Commission for the coordination of the process of accession of the Republic of Panama to the OECD.

According to the decree, this commission will be functionally dependent on the President of the Republic and will be administratively attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama, which will have a central role in coordinating the process.

Interinstitutional coordination

The commission's objective will be to plan, coordinate, advise, and supervise the actions that Panama must take to advance its aspiration to join the group of countries that are part of the OECD.

The body will be made up of representatives from various state entities, including the Ministry of Economy and Finance of Panama, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Panama, the Ministry of Social Development of Panama, the Ministry of Education of Panama and the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI).

The chancellor or his representative will chair the commission, whose members will participate in an honorary capacity.

The Executive Secretariat will be under the responsibility of the Directorate of International Economic Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Vice Ministry of Multilateral Affairs and Cooperation will coordinate the representation of the Panamanian State before the OECD.

Reforms and international standards

Joining the OECD means that the country will have to adapt its public policies and regulatory frameworks to international standards in various areas.

These include institutional governance, transparency, education, justice, environmental sustainability and the fight against corruption.

The decree also establishes that the commission may invite other state bodies, international organizations and representatives of civil society to participate in the process.

A long-term process

Joining the OECD is considered by the Government as a strategy to strengthen the country's institutions, improve its competitiveness and attract foreign investment.

The Executive Secretariat of the commission shall document the progress of the process and submit periodic reports to the President of the Republic on the progress of the actions aimed at meeting the standards of the organization.

The rule will come into effect the day after its promulgation.