Top multinationals meet Israeli startups
More than 25 of the world’s largest multinational corporations, including Ford, IBM, GE, Tyco, GM, Singtel, PayPal and Yahoo gathered at the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange for the Axis Tel Aviv Corporate Edition event, connecting international companies with promising Israeli startups.
50 years of relations with Singapore
In 1965 when Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew approached several nations asking for advice, only Israel responded positively. Today, bilateral trade is $2 billion p.a. and the Singapore-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation approves hundreds of joint projects.
Japan welcomes Israeli delegation
Trade links between Japan and Israel have been boosted by a new Israel trade office in Osaka. Also a delegation of Israeli automotive supply companies is meeting executives from Toyota, Honda, Suzuki and Daihatsu. Plus, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a big opportunity.
600 million mites to Colombia
Bio-Bee, of Kibbutz Sde Eliyahu is providing up to 600 million predatory mites to Colombian farmers. The mites naturally eliminate harmful species of mites decimating Colombia, allowing farmers to reduce the use of pesticides and meet ecological requirements for overseas exports.
The 4th best airport in the world
Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport was ranked as the world’s fourth best international airport in a survey conducted by Condé Nast Traveler readers. With a rating of 7/10, Ben Gurion Airport was praised for easy access from downtown Tel Aviv, and as “one of the world’s most secure airports.
Economy strengthens as exports surge
Israel’s economy grew by an annualized 2.5 percent in the third quarter of 2015. Private spending (Israel’s main growth driver) rose 2.4% and exports grew by 4.4%.
Lower water charges
Water charges will fall by 3% in Israel from Jan 1. Charges have been cut by a cumulative 20% in the past three years. The current cut is thanks to a 16% annual fall in the price of electricity - the main cost in water desalination that produces much of the water consumed in Israel.
No VAT on public transportation
The Israeli cabinet has approved the exempting of public transportation from VAT. From Jan 1 2016, the cost of public transportation for all Israelis will fall by 17%.
44% more Indian tourists
The number of tourists to Israel in October from India increased by 44% over the same month last year. Overall, Oct 2015 saw a 5% increase in tourists compared with Oct 2014
Tel Aviv’s first tech IPO in 2015
Israeli security startup Safe-T has launched on the Tel Aviv stock exchange (TASE) - the first tech company to do so in 2015. Safe-T expects to raise $5.6 million from the IPO.