Israeli firms eyeing partnerships in Phl

CEBU, Philippines - Leading Israeli firms have expressed interests in partnering with Philippine companies particularly in water and agri-technology industries.

An Israeli business delegation of water and agricultural tech firms visited Cebu yesterday to introduce emerging technologies that can help the farming output in the Philippines increase. Prior to its visit yesterday, the delegation also met Monday with local firms at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry office.

Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry expressed optimism on what the Middle East nation can offer especially on waste water management and water infrastructures.

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Effie Ben Matityau said his county has developed farming technologies to answer the growing demand for water and food and solve the real issues of climate change and water scarcity.

"Necessity is the mother of these inventions," said Matityau, noting the novel solutions offered by conservation technologies have been aimed to preserve Earth's most precious resource -- water.

Eight Israeli firms that were part of the delegation included: Afimikl Ltd., advanced systems provider for dairy farms; AgroTop Ltd., firm involved in poultry and piggery sectors; A.R.I Flow Control Accessories Ltd., irrigation and water systems valves producer; Eshet Eilon, specialist in post-harvesting; Netafim Ltd., drip and micro-irrigation solutions provider; Ooval Valves, producer of hydraulic control valves for water systems; Top Greenhouses Ltd., consulting firm on greenhouse projects; and IDE Technologies Ltd., industrial water treatment firm.

They engaged in business matching sessions with their local counterparts and some government representatives to spur better cooperation between the two nations.

The envoy described the Philippines as a complementary economy of Israel, which is one reason they had a trade mission here.

He added the sharing of know-how and skills would further boost the full potential of the relationship between the two countries, citing agriculture and water as important sectors to collaborate in. High-tech innovation, research and development and emergency preparedness would also help strengthen the economic relations.

Doron Hemo, head of Economic and Trade Mission in the Philippines, noted the innovation and technological know-how of his nation would complement with the Philippine government's Philippine Agriculture Medium Plan for 2020 which encourages technological investments.

CCCI president Teresa Chan said the opportunity to learn and acquire these innovations in resource management is very big.

Gilad Peled of the Israel and International Cooperation Institute stated the big potential of knowledge sharing and capacity-building which help economic growth.

"Israel is just a small market but it is a market of successful startups and innovations," said Peled who is director of Water, Environment and Agro-Technology Department.

The business delegation discussed on irrigation know-how, post-harvest treatment, crop protection, agronomy, greenhouse technology, water system control, dairy production, turnkey projects for livestock and water management. (FREEMAN)