News: India flavour at OECD's Forum 2007

(IANS 08/06/2006) Paris - In keeping with its rising economic clout, India will be the country of focus at the next annual forum of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) scheduled for May 2007.

The 30-member club brings together the richest countries of the world and is emerging as a major platform in the ongoing negotiations on trade, environment and international law.

"Strong economic growth by China since the 1970s and by India over the past 10 years has been driving world trade and economic growth. It has been boosting economic prosperity in OECD countries, while also contributing to the pressure for structural adjustment," John West, director of the Forum, said.

China was the highlight at Forum 2006, with several sessions dedicated to that country's society and economy.

West said OECD had engaged with China in a strong dialogue over the last 10 years and these exchanges had led to the publication of five major reports on China, just as the country was emerging as a major player on the global scenario.

West said he wanted to repeat the experience with India next year. "A number of leading Indian personalities were also invited to OECD Forum 2006 with a view to exploring how India could become a leading feature of OECD Forum 2007 - drawing on the inspiration of China's experience in 2006.