Cost of water to be reduced, again
Israel’s Water Authority is to reduce water tariffs in July, following a previous decrease in January. The authority has improved efficiency despite the continuing drought conditions.
Ohio buys $47 million in Israel bonds
(Thanks to Atid-EDI) On June 2, The US State of Ohio purchased $47.8 million in Israel bonds, the largest single government purchase of Israel bonds ever in the United States. It surpassed the record established in March 2013, when Ohio made an Israel bonds purchase of $42 million.
Strauss foods expand in Australia
Strauss, Israel’s biggest food and beverage company, is set to expand its emerging dips and spreads business in Australia to capitalize on growing demand for its products.
Swiss army decides which Israeli drones it wants
Israel’s Elbit Systems will supply its Hermes 900 HFE Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) to the Swiss Armed Forces. Elbit beat Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to the contract. IAI offered its Super Heron UAVs. The Swiss are replacing their aging ADS 95 Ranger UAVs.
Hishtil seeds company celebrates 40 years – but not in the wilderness
1500 people marked the 40th anniversary of Israel’s Hishtil, a world leader in seedling grafting technology. Hishtil produces over 80 million seedlings a year in this manner and has plant nurseries in Israel, Turkey, Italy, South Africa, France, and Spain.
Two new Technology incubators
Israel’s Chief Scientist has awarded two new technology franchises. The Philips-Teva incubator “Inspire Healthcare Innovations Ltd.” will invest in treatments and medical devices. The Strauss incubator, “Food-Tech Hub LP”, will focus on investments in all food-related technologies.
Abramovich invests $10 million in StoreDot
(Thanks to Israel21c) Roman Abramovich - owner of UK soccer club Chelsea - has invested $10 million in StoreDot, an Israeli startup that in April revealed a charger and battery set that charges a Samsung mobile phone in 30 seconds. It is Abramovich’s 2nd Israeli project.
Takudu forms water alliance with Aqualia
Spain’s water giant Aqualia has partnered with Israel’s Takudu to deploy TaKaDu’s system for detecting inefficiencies in water distribution systems. FCC Aqualia works in 17 countries including China, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Algeria, Egypt, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Over 50 Israeli executives visit Africa to foster business links
At least 50 Israeli executives are touring Africa in order to grow the Jewish state’s business presence. In Ghana, they followed up on agreements signed in 2011 and existing projects in agriculture, fisheries and other areas.
Israel has NIS 2 billion budget surplus in May
The government’s budget surplus of NIS 1.9 billion in May 2014 reduced the deficit to 2.4% of GDP for the 12 months through May 2014 compared to 2.5% in April.