Israel Joins Exclusive Economic Group

“It’s an important day for Israel; it’s an important day for Israel’s economic integration into the world,” said Prime Minister’s Office spokesman Mark Regev. “We’ve worked very hard over the last few years to make economic reforms in Israel, to move our economy forward, to make Israeli hi-tech firms on the cutting edge of the global economy. And I think this acceptance of full membership in the OECD, despite some of the political pressures the other way [opposing Israel’s acceptance], is a sign, a recognition of Israel’s importance in the global economy.”

In a press release, OECD said the vote “acknowledges the efforts already made [by the three nations] to reform their economies, including in such areas as combating corruption, protecting intellectual property rights, and ensuring high standards of corporate governance, while looking forward to further reforms.” They noted that “Israel’s scientific and technological policies have produced outstanding outcomes on a world scale.”

Just prior to press time, Arutz Sheva reported that OECD decided to hold their 86th annual conference in October in Jerusalem instead of Paris with 31 countries in attendance.