GOVPH

: Published: 13 June 2022

Philippines & Israel Ink Innovation Promotion Pact

DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Israel Innovation Authority Head Amiram Appelbaum (both seated) present the newly-signed Philippines-Israel Agreement on Innovation Cooperation. Joining them are (left to right) DTI Undersecretary Flordelona Amate, DA Undersecretary Cheryl Marie Natividad-Caballero, Board of Investments (BOI) Governor Angelica Cayas, BOI Governor Marjorie O. Ramos – Samaniego, DTI Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba, Ambassador Macairog S. Alberto, and officials from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Economy. (Tel Aviv PE photo)

TEL AVIV 13 June 2022 – Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon M. Lopez and Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) Amiram Appelbaum inked an Agreement on Cooperation in Technological Innovation, Research, and Development on 06 June 2022, during the Secretary’s visit to the IIA to learn about Israel’s approach to encouraging innovation.

The Agreement strengthens Philippines-Israel collaboration on research and development of innovative products and processes as well as cooperation on advanced/smart manufacturing, agritech, clean technologies, AI and internet of things, health sciences and biotechnology, ecommerce, among others.

Earlier that day, the Secretary had dropped by the Israel Start-Up Nation central office to speak to its CEO, Mr. Avi Hasson, about Israel’s experience in establishing an ecosystem for start-ups. Mr. Applebaum, the IIA’s Chief Scientist, exchanged views with the Secretary on government programs and policies that promote innovation, research and development, and creativity.

“The Filipino innovators are already known globally for their skill and creativity,” Philippine Ambassador Macairog Alberto noted. “Our partnership with Israel in creating conducive innovation ecosystems further expands opportunities for them to succeed and use their talents to benefit our people.”

Secretary Lopez was in Tel Aviv to bolster bilateral economic and trade cooperation between the Philippines and the Jewish State as he closes his term with swing visits to Israel and Dubai. Joined by Ambassador Alberto, he held meetings with Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman, Economy and Industry Minister Orna Barbivai, and CEOs of Israeli firms and startups. Aside from the above document, he also signed an investment promotion and protection agreement, an MOU establishing regular economic consultation between the two countries, as well as letters of intent of Israeli firms expanding their business in the Philippines.

The Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv continues to work closely with DTI and other government agencies in identifying key priorities for the incoming administration in Philippines-Israel economic relations. END

Secretary Lopez (third from left) leads the Philippine delegation in discussions with IIA. Joining him are Ambassador Alberto, DTI Undersecretary Aldaba, DA Undersecretary Caballero, BOI Governor Cayas and officials from the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. Representatives from Philippine firms and companies were also present during the meeting. (Tel Aviv PE photo)