17 October 2016 –The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv met with the officers of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) and discussed potential areas that could boost the bilateral trade relations between the Philippines and the State of Israel on October 13.

In his presentation, Philippine Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial focused on traditional export winners such as fruits and high-end furniture, and business and investment opportunities in the services sector.

“Israeli companies can benefit from the 24/7 operations guaranteed by Philippine BPOs,” said Ambassador Imperial in highlighting the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) Industry of the Philippines.

Mr. Uriel Lynn, President of FICC, welcomed the possibility of entering the services sector of the Philippines aside from the traditional focus on merchandise trade.

“A methodical way to increase Israel’s importation from the Philippines is by conducting a study of the needs of Israel and identifying the different products with which the Philippines has competitive advantage,” recommended Mr. Uriel Lynn, President of the FICC.

“The Israeli market is looking for suppliers of organic products, Kosher produce, high-end furniture, textile and apparel. I think of the Philippine BPO and ICT sector as “pearl in a shell” to which awareness among Israeli businessmen should be created,” said Mr. Ze’ev Lavie, FICC Director for International Relations Division.

Mr. Lynn gave his assurances that the FICC will provide its full support to the Embassy in organizing meetings for Philippine business delegations that would visit Israel.

The Embassy’s meeting with the FICC follows earlier country presentation given to the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce, the Haifa Rotary Club and Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce .END