Israel

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Highlights (also available in Hebrew)

Israel is one of the many non-member economies with which the OECD has working relationships in addition to its 30 member countries. Israel has, on many occasions, expressed its interest in OECD Membership.  In March 2006, the Israeli government pressed its case for accession by publishing a report entitled Israel, Ready for the OECD, aimed at evaluating Israel’s compliance with OECD’s standards for multilateral co-operation. An updated version of this report was published in April 2007. The OECD Council at Ministerial level adopted a resolution on 16 May 2007 to open discussions with Israel for its membership of the Organisation. On 30 November 2007, the OECD Council approved the 'roadmap to accession' for Israel, as well as four other prospective new members.

Mutual benefit

Israel’s co-operation with the OECD has taken place principally through its participation in OECD committees as an observer.  Israel usually participates very actively in these bodies and has important expertise to share with OECD members, for example in the field of technological innovation.

How is the co-operation co-ordinated?

The OECD’s co-operation with Israel is now taking place primarily in the context of the country’s accession to OECD membership.  Israel’s government has appointed a representative to co ordinate the accession process on its side; on the OECD side, the process is co-ordinated by Deputy Secretary-General Ms Thelma Askey. However, Israel will continue to participate in the OECD’s global relations programme. The OECD’s Centre for Co-operation with Non-Members develops and oversees the strategic orientation of this relationship and ensures that the dialogue remains focused, forward-looking and mutually beneficial.

Areas of work

Policy reviews of Israel have been undertaken in the fields of investment and education. Besides its Committee, observerships Israel has also participated actively in several of the OECD Global Forums for example, Knowledge-based Economies, Trade, Taxation, Governance.

Israel’s participation in OECD general activities

Israel signed the OECD Declaration on International Investment and Multinational Enterprises in September 2002. Israel was invited in December 2004 to adhere to the Council Acts related to the Mutual Acceptance of Data in the Assessment of Chemicals and to participate as a full member in that part of the OECD Chemicals Programme directly related thereto. On 10 February 2008, Israel reaffirmed its intention to accede to the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. Israel has been a member of the OECD Development Centre since February 2008 and it is a regular observer in several OECD committees and Working Groups. Israeli Ministers also participate in sessions of the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting.  Furthermore, Israel participates in the Bologna Process and in PISA.