"2010 is the target year for completing Israel's accession process to the OECD," OECD Secretary General Angel Gurria said in Jerusalem today following a meeting at the prime minister's office with the social economic cabinet.

He added, "We are keeping the target, although there are still issues that we must solve but it is important to point out that all these issues can be solved."

Gurria presented Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz with two reports - the first about macroeconomics and the second about employment and welfare. He said, "These two reports together are the basis for joint work but there are other subjects that we need to work on: education; the environment; statistics and more.

At the start of the meeting, Steinitz welcomed Gurria and thanked him for his visit and for, "the friendship and help that you are giving us during this process."

Steinitz added that Gurria's visit is a testimony to the seriousness and mutual commitment to Israel's entry to the OECD and joining what he termed a prestigious and important organization.

Steinitz also mentioned that there are a number of issues that need to be ironed out but was also optimistic that they would be solved. He said, "I am certain that we will complete and solve these issues in the coming days."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on January 19, 2010

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