Premier Dalton McGuinty is leading a trade mission to Israel and the West Bank to promote Ontario’s innovative life sciences companies, attract investment and strengthen cultural ties.
The Premier will visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Ramallah and Bethlehem during the five-day trip, from May 23-27.
The trade mission will expand Ontario’s research cooperation with Israel and build more economic partnerships in health care. It will also enable Ontario to tap into Israel’s expertise in turning good high-tech ideas into good high-tech jobs.
Israel’s focus on life sciences and medical treatment, as well as technology and advanced manufacturing, matches up well with Ontario’s strengths. Israel is an important business partner for Ontario in the Middle East.
In 2008, two-way goods traded between Ontario and Israel totaled almost $1.1 billion, which represents an increase of 86 per cent from 2004.