The OCGG Economy Section aims at welfare for humanity at a global scale for the long term future. This is a world governed in enjoyment of wealth creation and social justice.

 

by Alex Cobham

Recommendation to policymakers and donors, researchers and civil society, as presented during the World Social Forum 2007 in Nairobi

The tax consensus has failed. Revenue losses exceed aid flows, and poorer countries - especially in sub-Saharan Africa - have seen redistribution prevented and political representation weakened. The tax consensus must be consigned to history, and international steps taken to begin undoing the damage done. Advocacy is vital.

OCGG Economy Recommendation No 8 (PDF)

 

by Alex Cobham

This Analysis was prepared as an Issues Note for the International Policy Workshop: How can Financial Crises be Prevented? held at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, October 2006. The IMF is facing renewed calls for reform, and its role in the prevention of national and international financial crises is the subject of considerable debate. This Analysis sets out the basis for the main criticisms of the Fund, and explores the necessary changes for it to take a more constructive role in crisis prevention.

OCGG Economy Analysis No 9 (PDF)

 

by André Nilsen

The Rosneft IPO has focused attention on the state’s involvement in the economy in Russia. Contrary to criticism, Putin is embracing the capitalism model that is best suited to the country and most likely to sustain comparative advantages. He should now embed it in rule of law to make sure it stays.

OCGG Economy Briefing No 2 (PDF)

 

Oxford think tank supports Barroso initiative on immigration

(Oxford, 7 March 2006) Recognizing the European Union’s goal of creating more and better jobs through research and innovation, the EU should offer permanent resident status and citizenship to students from all over the world who complete a PhD in one of the Member States, says a think tank based in Oxford.

Press Release (Word)

 

by Alex Cobham

Recommendation to the European Commission

The European tax commissioner, László Kovács, has reiterated two plans for EU taxation: first, that the EU budget should be funded from taxation in each member state, and second, that concrete steps be taken for harmonisation of the corporate tax base across the EU. Both are sure to cause consternation in some member states.

There are in fact strong reasons to support each; but considerable caution is required. The Commission needs to clarify the grounds for each, in order not only to make the case publicly but because this process will lead to recognition of important flaws that should be corrected before further political capital is committed.

OCGG Economy Recommendation No 6 (PDF)

 

Oxford think tank stresses importance of fiscal policy for sustainable development

(Oxford, 15 October 2005) The role of fiscal policy in development is critical and has been neglected by major players, according to a set of studies published today by a think tank based in Oxford.

The studies are available at the Development and Fiscal Policy project site.

Press Release (Word)

 

The OCGG Economy Section provides actionable advice to high-level policy-makers that promote a vital economy and a fair welfare state. [More]

Alex Cobham, Director of the OCGG Economy section, explains how the tax consensus has failed the world's poorer countries in terms of revenue generation, redistribution and - crucially - channels of political representation, in OCGG Economy Recommendation 8.

Alex Cobham, Director of the OCGG Economy Section, explores the possibilities for reform of the IMF and a stronger role in crisis prevention in OCGG Economy Analysis No 9.

André Nilsen, Chairman and Managing Director of the OCGG, comments on Russian economic reform in light of the Rosneft IPO in OCGG Economy Briefing No 2.

Alex Cobham, Director of the OCGG Economy Section, explains how the EU's proposals for an EU-wide tax and for corporate tax harmonization should be strengthened in OCGG Economy Recommendation No 6.

Morag Torrance, OCGG Analyst, and Emma Lochery, OCGG Researcher, compare the rhetoric and reality of IMF and World Bank fiscal policy in OCGG Economy Analysis No 8.

Sylvia Bergh, OCGG Analyst, explains the disappointing experience of Moroccan government expenditures in OCGG Economy Analysis No 7.

Nicholas Cheeseman, OCGG Analyst, and Rob Griffiths, OCGG Researcher, document the experience of Kenyan tax reforms in OCGG Economy Analysis No 6.

Christopher Crowe, economist, explains how inequality exacerbates the inflation tax in OCGG Economy Analysis No 5.

Armando Roman-Zozaya, OCGG Analyst, discusses the emergent paradigm of Latin American social policy in OCGG Economy Analysis No 4.

Armando Roman-Zozaya, OCGG Analyst, argues for the capitalism-capable society in OCGG Economy Analysis No 3.

Alex Cobham, Director of the OCGG Economy Section, outlines the structures of taxation in developing countries in OCGG Economy Analysis No 2.

Holger Osterrieder, Director of the OCGG Government Section, criticizes the US approach to Mauritania and calls for a greater EU role in the wake of the coup in OCGG Security Recommendation No 4.

André Nilsen, Chairman and Managing Director of the OCGG, defends the European Constitution in OCGG Government Recommendation No 3.