Thursday, January 25, Davos-Klosters, Switzerland – President Dalia Grybauskaitė, currently attending the World Economic Forum, met with Ángel Gurría, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

The meeting focused on Lithuania's progress towards OECD membership and the implementation of fundamental reforms necessary for accession and for the general well-being of the country and its people.

The President underlined that Lithuania had made substantial progress. Nearly all of the OECD recommendations for ensuring more transparency in civil service and business, effective management of state-run enterprises, protection of investment, and development of innovation have been followed through. Accession negotiations should be completed by the end of May. In April, the President will travel to Paris to present Lithuania’s progress. Lithuania is expected to receive an invitation for membership this year.

The OECD – known as an influential club of world economies – brings together the most developed countries with strong economic and financial sectors focused on progressive research, innovation and advanced technologies.

On its way to accession, Lithuania has ratified the OECD Anti-Bribery Convention. At the President's initiative, the OECD recommendation to apply adequate penalties for corruption offenses has been carried out.

The law on strategically important enterprises and amendments to the constitutional law on the sale of land to foreign nationals have been adopted. Many other recommendations have been implemented to promote economic development, research and innovation as well as their application in everyday life, and to help prevent serious financial shocks. When OECD recommendations are carried through, their beneficial effect will be felt by all the people of Lithuania.

According to the President, OECD membership will not only bring huge economic advantages, attract foreign investment and create new jobs, but will also enable Lithuania to better protect its interests on the international arena.