The Interactive Session organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region in Kolkata with H E Mr Alon Ushpiz, Ambassador of Israel to India, raised hopes of greater synergies and deeper cooperation between the two countries.

“It is existential relations which are not just about buying and selling, but a pledge to do things together that will define Indo-Israeli ties,” said Ambassador Ushpiz.

In his view, cooperation in agriculture could be the strategic backbone of that pledge. “Sectors such as water, healthcare, renewable energies, IT and agriculture could be game-changers with Israeli,” Ambassador Ushpiz said.

The two countries are inching closer to signing an FTA, he disclosed. “I am confident the bilateral trade volume will jump from the current US$ 5 billion to US$10-15 billion in a few years time. In fact, the FTA will change the composition of trade. The minute we have the FTA in place, the intensity of interactions will be on a much higher level.”

Ambassador Ushpiz also revealed that a high-tech centre of excellence on agriculture will be set up in Hooghly district in West Bengal. “This is something that will materialise by next year.”

“We will also set up a Business Development Office soon in Kolkata to explore strategic business partnership between Israel and the states in the Eastern Region,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, Mr Sudhir Deoras, Chairman, CII Eastern Region, extolled Israel for its achievements in R&D and technological innovations, saying India, the eastern states in particular, can reap significant benefits from what he described as a model in high technology economy.

“Israel is also known for its ability to generate new technology-based companies and is vital to trace the complementarities existing so that they can provide a direction needed to deepen economic and commercial relationship between the two countries,” he said.

Mr Deoras, who is also the Managing Director, TRF Limited, also outlined why the two countries should seek to achieve greater synergies.

“Currently, India is Israel’s ninth largest global trading partner and second largest in Asia. Commercial and economic relationship between India and Israel has set a new momentum with a series of decisions made and agreements signed in a range of areas – economy and trade, science and technology, and agriculture and R&D,” he said.

Mr Harshavardhan Neotia, Past Chairman, CII Eastern Region, expressed hope that Ambassador Ushpiz’s visit to Kolkata will deepen bonds between India and Israel.

Mr Neotia also appealed to the Ambassador to organise Israeli business delegations to West Bengal. “Pursuing such activities will benefit the region as a whole,” said Mr Neotia who is also the Honorary Consul General, Consulate General of Israel, in Kolkata.

Mr Viresh Oberoi, Deputy Chairman, CII Eastern Region, explained the context and importance of the Interactive Session for businesses and industries located in the eastern part of India.

“The eastern part of India has a focus on industrial and economic growth. This, coupled with the geographical advantage of the eastern region, could help build stronger bridges of economic co-operation between Israel and the Eastern part of India,” he said.

Mr Oberoi, who is the CEO & Managing Director, Mjunction Services Limited, also mentioned the close relations CII shares with Israel.  In 2003, CII signed MoUs with the Manufacturers Association of Israel on specific thrust areas of action, and the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute, Oberoi said.

“CII, the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute and the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel set up an India Israel CEOs Forum during the visit of the Prime Minister of Israel in September 2003.  The forum meets every year alternately in Delhi and Tel Aviv.”