Business ties with Israel
COMBINING Israeli entrepreneurial spirit with Australian business acumen is a win for both countries, Israeli Minister for Industry, Trade and Labor Shalom Simhon told a broadcast media and communications seminar in Sydney last week.
COMBINING Israeli entrepreneurial spirit with Australian business acumen is a win for both countries, Israeli Minister for Industry, Trade and Labor Shalom Simhon told a broadcast media and communications seminar in Sydney last week.
Simhon was in Sydney as part of a trade delegation that also comprised the heads of his ministry, Israel-Australia Chamber of Commerce chairperson Dr Orna Berry, and representatives from 10 leading Israeli high-tech companies.
Simhon said Israel viewed Australia as a true friend and held the relations between the two countries in high regard.
“I believe that trade and technological cooperation constitutes one of the best ways to tighten the relationship between us,” he said.
“I hope that my visit will open new doors for Israeli companies wishing to start or grow their business in Australia.”
Pointing to Israel’s success as “the start-up nation”, Simhon said digital and new media were areas Israel was keen to collaborate with Australian business on.
“Cooperation in these fields can be the growth engine for both economies and may influence the entire sector worldwide,” he said.
“The combination of the Israeli creativity and innovative spirit and the leading players in Australia and other countries can be a promising platform for the new developments and will move the industry forward.
“I call upon you, our Australian friends, to come to Israel, find your partner, invest in Israeli ideas and products and establish your R&D centres in Israel. The Israeli innovative spirit and creativity, combined with your capabilities, will promote both sides’ interests.”
Welcoming the minister and his delegation, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew Stoner said there were significant opportunities to further grow NSW and Australia’s trade and investment relationship with Israel.
“There are opportunities for NSW companies in Israel’s knowledge-based, technologically advanced economy, particularly in areas including biotechnology, medical equipment, ICT [information and communications technology], software development, agriculture and education and training,” he said.
“The strength of Israel’s technologically advanced economy is evidenced here today by the companies at this seminar.
“And the NSW government is keenly aware that a dynamic, strong and technologically advanced economy is essential to also drive economic growth in NSW and indeed Australia.”
Following their official speeches, Simhon and Stoner privately discussed bilateral trade opportunities.
Simhon also travelled to Canberra where he met with federal Trade Minister Craig Emerson.
The broadcast media and communications seminar was jointly held by the Israel Trade Commission and the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce.
GARETH NARUNSKY
NSW Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner (left) with Israeli Ministry, Trade and Labor Shalom Simhon. Photo: Ingrid Shakenovsky.
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