We are gathered here to celebrate Israel's Accession Agreement to the OECD.
As you know, accession to the OECD is an extremely rigorous and demanding process. Over the last three years, Israel has undergone in-depth reviews with 18 OECD Committees, which have scrutinised its policies in diverse fields, from investment to anti-corruption, from environment to fiscal affairs, from public governance to science and technology.
Indeed, for Israel, as for our other new and prospective Members, the successful conclusion of the accession process is not the end of the road. In fact, it is just the beginning of a process of mutual learning. And I would like to stress the “mutual” in this process. In fact, in certain areas, OECD countries have a lot to learn from Israel’s experience.
I can make specific examples how the “Israeli model” and its expertise can enrich the OECD.
Israel is a young and dynamic country whose economy has developed under difficult circumstances. Its success in extracting itself from huge macroeconomic problems of hyperinflation and massive public debt in the late 1980s and early 1990s is an experience that is widely quoted. This policy experience underscores the very critical role that good policy responses play on growth and confidence. As such it is of outmost relevance to all countries.
Israel’s valuable perspective on promoting innovation, science and technology is another example. In particular, policies encouraging small, high-tech firms through grants, business incubators and so on appear to have been highly successful and may be a model other countries wish to emulate.
So, we certainly look forward to Israel bringing diverse and valuable policy perspectives and expertise to the OECD.
The OECD has firmly established its place in the global economic architecture. It is gratifying that new countries – and successful reformers, such as Israel – recognise the value of our Organisation and wish to join us in our endeavours.
Ambassador, Ladies and Gentlemen:
Our relevance lies in our diversity. We are honoured to have Israel and the other new accession countries as our partners and colleagues in building a stronger, cleaner and fairer world economy. I would like to congratulate your country on all of its impressive achievements throughout the accession process.
Israel