Ministers responsible for employment from around the world gathered at the OECD on 28-29 September to discuss the jobs crisis. In our eighth OECD Observer ministers' roundtable, we ask six representatives, from Canada (co-Chair), Italy (co-Chair), Sweden (vice-Chair), France, New Zealand, and Chile, which is a candidate for OECD accession: What new policy actions are you taking to improve the jobs situation in your country?

Address by the President of Chile, Ms. Michelle Bachelet, to the Council of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Developpement (OECD), Paris, May, 28th

Economic activity is projected to contract in 2009. The world economic crisis has hit Chile mainly through a deterioration in its terms of trade, as copper prices have fallen sharply, and through tighter financial conditions.

After several years of robust expansion, activity is projected to moderate and inflation to recede. The slowing world economy, tighter financial conditions and lower investments in mining and energy will all slow growth. Inflation will decline gradually as second-round wage increases from high commodity prices wear off and expectations are reanchored to the central bank’s target. Past current account surpluses have disappeared as copper prices have retreated from high levels.

Chile has elected its first female president, in Michelle Bachelet. As head of the left-leaning coalition which has led Chile since the country’s return to democracy in 1990, the new leader has promised continuity, though with a promise of more jobs and social justice. Tackling these issues could indeed make a difference, even if the economy has fared relatively well, as our OECD experts explain.