A flurry of British trade missions has headed to Israel in a bid to bolster already flourishing economic ties, with two-way trade climbing in 2000 to $3.8 billion, British officials said Monday, March 5.
Exports from Britain to Israel jumped 17 percent in 2000 to £1.519 billion ($2.23 billion) from £1.298 billion ($1.91 billion) the year before, in such sectors as pharmaceuticals, industrial equipment and electronics, chemicals.
Over the same period Israeli exports rose marginally to £1.062 billion ($1.56 billion) from £1.041 billion ($1.53 billion), mainly in machinery and transport equipment, clothing, chemicals and textiles. Total two-way trade was £2.57 billion ($3.78 billion).
British businesses "are very conscious of the political situation but they are aware that good business opportunities remain" in Israel, said Ian Morrison, director of trade at the British embassy in Tel Aviv.
Sixteen British companies are in Israel this week on the third such mission since the beginning of the year, he said. "We have a number of target areas for activity which includes high-tech, biotechnology and financial services," he told AFP. — (AFP, Jerusalem)
© Agence France Presse 2001
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
