08 September 2016 – On August 16, Philippine Ambassador to the State of Israel Neal Imperial met with the Board of Directors of the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, headed by its President, Mr. Dror Atari.                          

In his presentation, Ambassador Imperial discussed the investment and business opportunities awaiting Israeli businessmen, highlighting the phenomenal economic performance of the Philippine economy.

“For Israeli investors, the Philippines can serve as a gateway or a production base to the larger market of Southeast Asia,” emphasized Ambassador Imperial.

The Ambassador also highlighted the Philippine Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry as a major component of Philippine growth, which generated more than US$ 22 billion in value last year and employed almost 1.1 million people.

“Israeli companies can benefit from the lower costs of operating BPOs in the Philippines. Outsourcing can substantially lower labor costs of Israeli companies and make them more competitive globally,” said Ambassador Imperial.

“We are working hard to establish direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila to improve connectivity and facilitate business connections. With growing two-way tourism on the way, it is my hope that this will become a reality soon,” added Ambassador Imperial on how the new air services agreement between the Philippines and Israel signed in 2014 can spur business links.

The board members of the Chamber and businessmen present were impressed with the consistent growth of the Philippine economy and proposed to come up with practical plans to strengthen the relations of businesses in the Philippines and Israel.

“We are very happy with the cooperation between the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv which we are starting to develop,” said Mr. Atari.

The Philippine Embassy was the first to visit the newly renovated office of the business chamber and meet its new officers.

“The Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce views its friendship with the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv as a commitment to strengthen the relations of the business communities of the Philippines and Jerusalem,” Mr. Atari said. END