$10 million to expand into China
Investment fund Infinity Israel-China has joined forces with the Chinese government to encourage 10 high-tech Israeli companies to do business in Harbin – China’s 10th largest city.
Out flows Israeli oil
In just six weeks from 1st July, Givot Olam Oil produced 35,000 barrels of oil from the Meged 5 well. There are at least another 2.6 million barrels to tap and probably another 7.9 million.
$2 billion of trade with Turkey
Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan may hate Israel, but his policy appears to be ‘business is business’. Trade has increased by 26% in the last six months compared to the same period in 2010.
An economic matchmaker
The Maryland/Israel Development Centre connects Maryland companies with Israeli partners to promote trade. It also invests in Israeli start-ups through a new venture capital fund.
Israel GDP at 3
%. Israel’s economy grew during the 2nd Quarter of 2011 by a healthy 3.3% compared to the Euro block’s 0.2%. The figures were better than the market expected, and the Shekel strengthened according.
Still plenty of jobs
Unfilled job vacancies in Israel rose by 2.3% to 69,200 in July 2011 from 67,700 in June.
Barclays is back
Barclays bank was a feature of mandate Palestine. It has now has received a license for commercial operations in Israel and has applied for membership of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Asia buys Israeli optics
Israel’s Elbit systems has won contracts with unspecified Asian countries worth $20 million for its electro-optical and night digital imaging systems.
Israel is still good for its debt
Whilst S&P were downgrading the US’s credit rating, it re-affirmed Israel’s.
And good for Start-ups
Venture capital investment into Israeli Internet start-up companies soared by 300% in the second quarter of 2011 compared with the same quarter in 2010.