Paris – The Paris meeting of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting (MCM) kicks off today. The meeting will focus on “Resilient Economies and Inclusive Societies: empowering people for jobs and growth.” The event is chaired by Japan (with United Kingdom and Slovenia serving as Vice Presidents). For Italy, the Minister of Economy and Finance, Pier Carlo Padoan, the Minister of Labor and Social Policy, Giuliano Poletti, and the Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Charles Calenda will participate. Today, after the inaugural speech by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, there will be the ceremony for the official launch of the OECD Regional Program for South-East Asia, followed by the presentation of the Economic Outlook, prepared by the Secretary-General Gurria. The MCM itself will begin with a breakfast meeting focusing on NAEC “New Approaches to Economic Challenges.” During the afternoon session, the ministers will discuss “resilient economies and inclusive societies,” the main subject of the MCM. In the evening, the President will host a traditional Japanese lunch for the Heads of Delegation. Tomorrow, the MCM will discuss the implementation of the “OECD Development Strategy” and the issue of relations with emerging economies and other countries, with particular attention to those in Southeast Asia. A session on international trade will bring to an end the meeting. (9Colonne)