Mathias Cormann in final two for plum OECD job

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is one of two final candidates to be the next OECD secretary-general.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann. Picture: Sean Davey.

Former finance minister Mathias Cormann is one of two final candidates to be the next OECD secretary-general.

Mr Cormann’s extensive lobbying around the world — which attracted criticism for using a Defence Force jet — could pay big dividends for Australia’s international status if he wins the top job.

Mr Cormann, 50, has survived several rounds of interviews and is pitched against former EU commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom, with the OECD membership to form a consensus decision on the new leader within 10 days.

The original field of 10 candidates included Swiss banker and Black Rock executive Philipp Hildebrand, who withdrew last Friday, and former Greek education secretary Anna Diamantopoulou, who pulled out on Monday.

Mr Cormann, born in Belgium and multilingual in English, German, French and Flemish, told The Australian: “It’s been a very thorough process so far. I’m now up to nearly 200 individual conversations with ministers, ambassadors and senior public servants from around the world.

“We will continue to work and engage with OECD member countries around the world until the final decision is made.

“We are not taking anything or anyone for granted. We are putting our best foot forward.

“It will be up to OECD member countries to decide who is the right choice.’’

Mr Cormann’s consensual style has impressed European leaders, some of whom might normally be expected to swing behind Ms Malmström, 52, a former European trade commissioner.

He has shown intimate understanding of European issues, but also his has extensive experience in Asia-Pacific, especially China.

It has been noted that Australia’s move to take on social media giants is a looming issue the OECD — which comprises the world’s 38 open mark democracies — is looking to be more involved in.

While Mr Cormann’s opponents have raised concerns about the Australian government’s climate change policies, he has vigorously campaigned for global net-zero emissions by 2050 under the Paris Accords.

The new leader will take over from Angel Gurria, the Mexican economist and diplomat who held the Paris-based post for 14 years.