Israeli visit seeks to establish business links
NORTHERN Ireland and Israel's high-tech industries could benefit greatly from working together to develop and exploit new products a senior Israeli spokesman has claimed.
Speaking on a visit to the Province last week, Gil Erez, Minister for Commercial Affairs at the Israeli embassy in London, said he was eager to explore the possibilities for new ventures between the two countries.
A delegation led by the Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor arrived mid-week for a two day series of meetings including the breakfast at Belfast's Ten Sq hotel attended by Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster.
"My major role is to develop business relations between Israeli and UK-based companies.
"In general Israel has 14.8 per cent of GDP (national income] invested in R&D, the highest in the world and we believe that human capital is the number one resource that we have."
Referring to successful links being established after similar efforts in Wales, Mr Erez said there was no reason why firms in Northern Ireland shouldn't also be able to capitalise on the opportunities available in areas such as cleantech and life sciences.
"There are some examples of co-operation between Northern Ireland and Israeli companies, but there is not enough and we are calling on companies, through the government, to find a mechanism to arrange meetings and delegations to do more business.
"We are thinking of a delegation of companies maybe led by the Minister so that business people will meet and there are many ways to work together; R&D, joint ventures, selling, investment. What they do is up to the business people, our job is to introduce them to each other."
Speaking after her meeting with the Israeli delegation, Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said building further relationships could only
be a positive thing.
"Israel is an important market for a number of Northern Ireland exporters," she said.
"Between 2007 and 2008, Northern Ireland manufacturing exports to Israel totalled 17.7m. This equates to 7.7 per cent of the Middle East total of 229.9 million of business achieved by Northern Ireland companies.
"Invest NI will continue to work with local business to help them build upon existing relationships in Israel and beyond, as well as assisting with the development of new trade opportunities."
The Minister also highlighted the impressive R&D base which exists in Israel and said that Northern Ireland could learn from their example.
Northern Ireland companies were committed to investing in innovation and R&D programmes, as they continue to plan for the future and achieve business growth.
"The MATRIX report has provided government with advice on how to maximise economic opportunities by exploiting our R&D and science and technology strengths. It has essentially set out a blueprint for future market opportunities.
"We must ensure that our local businesses are in pole position to take advantage of any current commercial opportunities as well as those
that will inevitably come when the global and national economies begin to strengthen."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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