Participation in BIAC policy groups: What does it offer to businesses?

SUP received Observer organization status at Business at OECD (BIAC). This allows SUP to engage its members in Policy groups, where companies can influence policies affecting their industries. Policy groups bring together business leaders from over 55 countries and various corporate sectors globally. These groups collectively shape positions on political initiatives reviewed by OECD and governments for international and national implementation.

BIAC (Business at OECD) is the officially recognized representative body of the business community at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). BIAC is a non-profit private international organization that brings together national business associations, companies, and individual corporations. It acts as an advisory body, representing the interests of business in OECD.

Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, OECD has been deepening its interaction and cooperation with Ukraine. This includes work in various policy areas, from anti-corruption efforts to tax reform and public administration reform. OECD periodically prepares economic reviews of countries, including Ukraine. These reviews include an analysis of the country’s economic situation, recommendations for economic reforms, and policies. OECD monitors and provides recommendations on anti-corruption policies in Ukraine through initiatives such as the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan. Ukraine participates in OECD programs related to education system assessments, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). OECD advises Ukraine on tax policy, including issues of tax evasion, tax system transparency, and tax administration efficiency. As part of this cooperation, reports and recommendations for improving Ukraine’s tax system are published.

Structure of BIAC
BIAC consists of over 45 national business associations from OECD member countries, 55+ groups of affiliated experts from international industry organizations, 29 policy groups that shape public policy through participation in OECD at the leadership and policy group levels. It also collaborates with various international business organizations, providing a platform for joint discussion and the formation of business positions on key political and economic issues considered by OECD.
BIAC operates through a network of working groups and committees specializing in various areas of economic policy. Relevant experts from BIAC member companies participate in these committees and working groups, providing expert consultations to OECD and engaging in dialogue during the formation of BIAC’s political positions. BIAC has a strong network of international industry organizations involved in policy development, including sectors such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals, brewing, alcohol, digital, banking, metals, and medical industries.

Business participation in OECD committees and expert groups is the foundation of policy work. They gather members in key policy areas to facilitate the flow of information about OECD developments, promote consensus within the private sector, advance business priorities, and ensure that business views are reflected in OECD policy recommendations. The policy groups work closely with their OECD counterparts, including direct participation in meetings or special consultations.
BIAC’s Mission

BIAC advises OECD on policies that impact the business environment and economic growth. They represent business perspectives during the development of OECD recommendations and standards. BIAC also serves as a platform for sharing experiences and information on global trends and challenges.

BIAC, due to its official status at OECD, has access to certain confidential OECD documents and materials. In this context, observers are granted access to a members-only BIAC website.

BIAC Participants
Members of the organization, including observers (business representatives from non-OECD countries), can participate in consultations, discussions, and the policy-making process. Observers have the opportunity to share their views and gain access to closed OECD materials through secure channels. However, their participation is advisory, and they do not have voting rights at BIAC General Assemblies.

BIAC decisions are not legally binding but have significant advisory value in the development of OECD recommendations and standards. BIAC’s influence is based on expert recommendations and the formation of well-considered business positions reviewed by OECD member governments.

Decision-making process. BIAC operates on a consensus principle among its members. Participants in discussions form joint business positions, which are then submitted to OECD for consideration in policy development.

Regularity of meetings. BIAC’s policy group meetings are held regularly, typically twice a year, in a hybrid format, including annual consultations with OECD ambassadors, where the business community can express its priorities and vision for the organization’s policy course.

Representation. Companies can represent their interests at the level of company owner, CEO, government relations specialist, or lawyer.
BIAC (Business at OECD) functions through a network of 29 policy groups covering key areas affecting international economic policy. These include:

Responsible Business

• Anti-Corruption Committee – focuses on preventing and combating corruption in international business operations.
• Corporate Governance Committee – develops recommendations for transparent and effective corporate governance.
• Responsible Business Conduct Committee – specializes in promoting ethical business practices and corporate social responsibility.

Economic Governance

• Competition Committee – works on policies for fair market competition.
• Economic Policy Committee – analyzes macroeconomic issues and helps shape economic development strategies.
• Financial Committee – focuses on financial stability and banking system regulation.
• Governance and Regulatory Policy Committee – works on improving public governance and regulatory policy.
• Private Pensions Expert Group – develops recommendations for improving pension systems.
• SME and Entrepreneurship Committee

Skills and Employment

• Education Committee – focuses on improving education systems to meet future labor market needs.
• Labour and Social Affairs Committee – works on employment and social policy issues.

Environment and Sustainable Growth

• Biotechnology Expert Group – addresses the development of biotechnology with ethical standards.
• Chemicals Committee – specializes in policies for the safe use of chemicals.
• Environment and Energy Committee – dedicated to climate change and energy strategy issues.
• Nanotechnology Expert Group – focuses on the safe use of nanotechnology.

Innovation and Digital Technology

• Blockchain Contact Group – explores blockchain technology implementation.
• Consumer Policy Committee – supports policies to protect consumers while fostering growth, innovation, and competition.
• Digital Policy Committee – develops policies to support digital transformation.
• Innovation and Technology Committee – studies innovative approaches in business.

Taxation

• Tax Committee – works on taxation and financial regulation issues.
• Open Markets
• Illicit Trade Expert Group – works on policies to combat smuggling and illicit trade.
• Export Credits Expert Group – develops strategies for regulating export credits.
• Investment Committee – works on stimulating foreign investments.
• Trade Committee – studies global issues of international trade and its regulation.

Products, Health, and Well-being

• Food and Agriculture Committee – addresses global food security, sustainable agriculture, regulation of food markets, and trade in agricultural products.
• Health Committee – focuses on improving health system resilience and creating innovative healthcare financing models.
• Tourism Contact Group – creates conditions for the safe recovery of tourism through regulation, health, and travel safety.

Emerging Markets

• China Expert Group – focuses on developing economic relations between China and OECD countries, discussing challenges and opportunities related to China’s economic policy.
• Development Committee – addresses the economic development of low- and middle-income countries, promoting inclusive economic growth through investments and trade, and reducing poverty and inequality.
• Latin America and Caribbean Contact Group – works on issues related to Latin America and the Caribbean, including improving business conditions in the region through economic reforms and investments and stimulating regional integration and cooperation in trade.
• Southeast Asia Contact Group – promotes the integration of Southeast Asian businesses into global markets, working to improve the regulatory environment for business in the region.

Importance of SUP Members’ Participation in BIAC Policy Groups:

1. Ability to influence global decisions. Since OECD is a powerful international economic body, the positions they adopt can directly influence global economic rules. Through participation in BIAC, SUP members can influence international standards and other regulations at the consultative level.
2. Access to an international network. BIAC is a platform that provides foreign entrepreneurs with the opportunity to be part of the global business community and share their views and experiences with international colleagues.
3. Protection of Ukrainian business interests. Through participation in BIAC, SUP can represent the interests of Ukrainian business at the international level and highlight issues important to Ukraine. Although SUP members do not have voting rights in BIAC decisions, they will have influence through the formation of consensus positions.
4. Access to OECD analytics and recommendations. The OECD prepares detailed economic reports and recommendations, which are often highly valuable for decision-making at the government level. Through BIAC, SUP members can access these recommendations and use them in their own activities.
5. Expanding the network of contacts. BIAC members have the opportunity to collaborate with international colleagues, which can promote the development of partnerships and the opening of new markets. This opportunity is invaluable for Ukrainian entrepreneurs to establish friendly ties with foreign colleagues.
6. Advocacy opportunities in favor of Ukraine. Participation in groups such as the Development Committee allows SUP members to act on the international stage as advocates for Ukraine’s interests, contributing to increasing the country’s investment attractiveness and strengthening connections with international markets.
7. Integration into global economic processes. Through groups focused on open markets and investments, Ukrainian entrepreneurs can influence policies that shape international trade rules and investment flows by advocating for their positions in working groups. This is especially crucial for Ukraine as it seeks integration into the global economy.
8. Enhancing competitiveness. Participation in BIAC provides access to vital analytics and discussion opportunities regarding global food security, energy strategy, and health, which can help Ukrainian businesses remain competitive in international markets.

For Ukrainian entrepreneurs, BIAC is not only an opportunity to be part of global discussions but also a tool for defending and promoting their interests on the international stage.

If you are interested in participating in BIAC, you can contact the Head of the International Cooperation Center – Marta Kindrys (phone: +380443511408; email: marta.kindrys@sup.org.ua).