03 August 2016 — Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial and President of the Chamber of Commerce in Jerusalem Dror Atari recently met to discuss various opportunities to deepen the ties between the Philippines and Jerusalem.  The meeting tackled various programs to promote business opportunities in fields such as high-tech, hotels, agriculture, and diamonds among others. 

Joint initiatives to promote tourism and trade in Jerusalem, and options for creating professional training courses, deepening professional knowledge, and other areas of cooperation based on professional and business needs were also covered.

The said meeting was the first work meeting of Mr. Atari.  The professional team of the Philippine Embassy in Israel led by Vice Consul and Third Secretary (Economic Attaché) Judy B. Razon, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce and an Honorary Consul in the Philippines Mr. Shimon Weinbaum were present during the meeting.

"Filipinos really love Israel and Israelis. We have a great interest in cooperation with businessmen and Israeli companies,” said Ambassador Imperial.

"Today the situation in the Philippines is excellent, there is economic prosperity, and the elected President, Rodrigo Duterte, gains great trust from the public. The Republic of the Philippines conducted numerous changes in its economic policy, the growth rate in the Philippines is high, and our credit rating has improved. We need investors in many fields: diamonds, high-tech, agriculture, real estate, hotels and more. This is a great business opportunity for us and for the business sector in Israel and especially in Jerusalem," the Ambassador added.

"We estimate that the cooperation between us will be productive for both sides. We must remember that 60 percent of the world's population lives in Asia, and therefore the large consumption power is also in that part of the world. Today, the Asian economy integrates and affects the world’s economy, and this business channel is important for us Israelis,” Atari said.

At the end of the meeting, Imperial and Atari agreed to work towards identifying the needs of the business community in Israel and in the Philippines. They declared that they intend to promote initiatives and projects dedicated to empowering business cooperation.

Ambassador Imperial is expected to arrive soon for a reciprocal visit to the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce. END