Israel makes headway in bid to join top economic body

Israeli industry got the seal of approval for its handling of hazardous materials this month, giving a boost to its efforts to become a member of one of the world's most significant economic unions.

The Chemicals Mission subsidiary of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) met last week with representatives of the the Environment Ministry and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Labor, to discuss Israel's preparations for meeting OECD chemicals management requirements.

As part of their consideration, the Chemicals Mission members toured two key Israeli industrial zones - Haifa bay in the north, and Ramat Hovav in the south.

The OCED said in a statement the Chemicals Mission hoped to evaluate "Israel's willingness and ability to implement Council Acts and OECD recommendations related to chemicals."

The Chemicals Mission's discussions with the Israeli representatives focused on OECD requirements that reduce risk to humans and the environment.

An OECD Environmental Mission is scheduled for a follow-up visit this June to check Israel's compliance with various body policies, including waste and recycling.

The OECD brings together international governments committed to democracy and market economics. It provides a setting for member nations to compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practices, and co-ordinate domestic and international policies.

OECD nations are high-income countries, with high Human Development Indexes (HDI) classified as developed countries. Although primarily concerned with economic affairs, the OECD has a broader mandate that encompasses social, political and environmental issues as well.

Two groups are in charge of monitoring environmental issues, the Environmental Policy Committee (EPC) and the Chemicals Mission. Israel is a member of the Chemicals Mission and participates in subsidiary bodies of the EPC.

In 1996 the OECD approved Israel's request to participate in the organization's activities. Israel's current status is of Accession Candidate, along with Chile, Estonia, Russia, and Slovenia.

The government has stipulation that the accession process is expected to take one or two more years, and that "during this period it will be necessary to pass legislation, enact reforms and meet the organization's standards."

Israel expects OECD membership to boost investments and increase Israel's competitive edge in the global economy. Membership is a testament to the international recognition of Israel?s democratic achievements and "ability to contribute to the global economy as well as to the organization".

The OECD originated in 1948 as the Organization for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC) intended to help administer the Marshall Plan's reconstruction of Europe after World War II. Today, 30 member nations work together to promote sustainable economic growth worldwide as well as assist to improve living standards and development worldwide.