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What are the Guidelines?
The Guidelines are recommendations on responsible business practice addressed by Governments to Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) operating in or from their territories. Through international direct investment, MNEs bring substantial benefits to home and host countries in the form of productive capital, managerial and technological know-how, job creation and tax revenues. At the same time, public concerns exist about the social, economic and environmental impact of MNE activities on the societies in which they operate. The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises (Guidelines) are an important multilateral initiative addressing these concerns.
Although endorsed by adhering Governments, the Guidelines are voluntary and are not intended to override local laws and legislation. The Guidelines are not intended to introduce differences of treatment between MNEs and domestic enterprises – they reflect good practice for all.
The Guidelines are an integral part of the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises which also include elements directed at Governments to:
- accord national treatment to foreign-owned enterprises;
- promote cooperation among governments regarding incentives to attract international investment; and
- minimize conflicting requirements for MNEs.
