OREANDA-NEWS. On November 26, 2007 the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has agreed to admit Ukraine to participation in six of its bodies, including two engaged in energy and investment policies, reported the Official website www.kmu.gov.ua.

According to the Economics Ministry, this level of integration may allow Ukraine to join the OECD as early as in 2009. The accession request submitted by Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych in February 2007 is pending a decision of the OECD Council.

Experts maintain that even if Ukraine fails to join the organization, the deepening of cooperation with the OECD will help step up reforms in the country and reflect favorably on the influx of foreign investments.

Until recently Ukraine only participated in the sessions of the OECD's Steel Committee.

Ukraine's participation will be extended to sessions of the Center for Entrepreneurship, the SMEs, and Local Development, the Committee on Local Development Funding, the Center for Improvement of State Programs, and the International Energy Agency.