Discussion On OECD Israel Economic Report

Jerusalem - January 18, 2010 - The Federmann School of Public Policy of Public Policy and Government at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will host the authors of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) new economic report on Israel, Peter Jarrett, Charlotte Moeser and Phillip Hemmings on Wednesday, Jan. 20. Reacting to the report will be Dr. Momi Dahan of the Federmann School of Public Policy and Prof. Victor Lavy of the Hebrew University Department of Economics.

The meeting with the OECD officials will take place at 4:30 p.m. in room 1741 of the Federmann School on the Mount Scopus campus of the University. The session will be conducted in English. Journalists and photographers interested in attending should contact the department of media relations at 02-5882811.

In May 2007, the OECD decided to initiate discussions with Israel on the possibility of Israel’s joining the organization. A committee was established make a determination on this issue by preparing a comprehensive study of Israel’s economic policy. The committee’s report, now completed, is expected to be a significant factor in the decision as to whether or not Israel will be accepted to OECD membership. The study covers various aspects of Israel’s socio-economic policies regarding the country’s overall economic situation, the labor market, education, inequalities and public administration.

The OECD delegation will arrive in Israel on Tuesday of this week and will submit its report to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Heading the delegation is its secretary general Angel Gurria.

Prof. Dan Avnon, head of the Federmann School, said that “the visit of the OECD delegation to Israel indicates that the organization is more likely than ever to weigh positively Israel’s request to join the organization.”

Dr. Dahan said that “Israel’s joining the organization would improve Israel’s image as a developed state in the eyes of the international community and would likely contribute to the increase in social considerations in formulating Israel’s economic policy.”