Israeli Business Delegation Meets with Cebu Bizmen

(PIA) — Officials from leading Israeli companies involved in water and agro-technology sectors met with Cebu businessmen yesterday to explore possible partnerships.

Representatives from seven Israeli companies pitched their technology, products, and services before local businessmen during a one-day economic mission in Cebu City held by the Economic and Trade Mission of the Israeli Embassy in Manila.

The Israeli delegation was led by Israeli Ambassador Effie Ben Matityau, who said that Israel itself is a successful business model.

“Israel is an enterprise of innovation and entrepreneurship. If you look at it from the business point of view, Israel is one of the most successful businesses, born from scratch, from nothing… and it is now one of the leading countries in the field of innovation and technology,” Ambassador Matityau said.

The companies included in the Israeli business delegation were chosen because they can give a “qualitative edge” to the local water and agri-technology industry.

Doron Hemo, head of Israel Economic and Trade Office at the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, said that bringing Israel’s innovations and technological know-how bodes well to the Philippine agriculture Medium Strategic Plan for 2020 which stresses technological investments.

“This two-day business event is a concrete step towards a fruitful collaboration between Israel and the Philippines in the area of agriculture,” said Hemo.

Another batch of agriculture and water delegation will be coming to the Philippines for another round of economic mission next year, said Hemo.

He added that the Israeli companies can provide solutions that Filipino companies can implement and integrate so they can become more efficient.

Hemo cited in particular Israel’s desalination technology which turns saltwater into potable water. “Seventy percent of our potable water now comes from the Mediterranean Sea,” he said.

Aside from this, 80% of Israel’s used water is being treated and then recycled for agricultural use.

With 60% of Israel composed of arid desert, “we had to find solutions to all of our challenges,” Hemo stressed

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) President Ma. Teresa Chan, in her speech, said that the trade event will give local businesses the opportunity to harness and acquire technology that will contribute much to the economic growth in Cebu and the Visayas.

The Israeli business delegation discussed irrigation know-how, dairy production, turnkey projects for livestock, post-harvest treatment, crop protection, agronomy, greenhouse technology, water system control, and water management. (rmn/PIA Cebu)

Image Credit: blog.tempo.com.ph