Minister Logar underlined Slovenia’s progress in GDP per capita rate, internet access, and modernisation of public administration, taxes, and education. He drew particular attention to good practices in the development of artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, as well as the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has crippled the world for a while. He also pointed to the OECD’s assistance in planning economic policies and structural reforms, addressing demographic challenges, and shaping Slovenia’s development cooperation.

“By becoming a member of the OECD, we not only fulfilled our ambition but also became even more ambitious, which means that we only really reached the starting point ten years ago. There is still a way to go. But it is a good thing, as many successes await us on this path,” stated Minister Logar.

In his video conference address, Secretary-General of the OECD Ángel Gurría was keen to praise Slovenia’s remarkable economic and social progress since joining the OECD, and stated that the government has acted admirably to manage the health and economic fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic. “It is vital now for Slovenia to stay on track, to stand ready to provide further support where needed to restore growth and then continue implementing measures to tackle the long-term economic challenges of the ageing population”, said Secretary-General Gurría.

Tomorrow is the tenth anniversary of Slovenia's OECD membership. Slovenia’s activities in this organisation are not immediately visible to the general public, as they pertain to the experts who shape reforms and introduce new elements into government policies. Slovenia entered the OECD at the time of a financial crisis, but with the OECD’s assistance and experience, it was able to overcome the crisis and reach remarkable economic growth, which has now been halted due to the pandemic.

The OECD also published the Economic Survey of Slovenia, a document reviewing the economic situation in Slovenia and providing recommendations for the future. In its review, the OECD draws attention to population ageing in Slovenia, which has far-reaching implications for the sustainability of the pension system, health care, and the labour market. It also includes recommendations on how the necessary reforms might be made. Slovenia and its experts also contribute to the work of the OECD, as they extend its body of knowledge and encourage development in a variety of areas, particularly in the field of AI.