The modern nation of Israel was created in 1948 as the result of a Post-World War II effort to create a Jewish state in Palestine. Israel's highly skilled workforce and technology-infused economy have since helped it become the region's most developed country. The service sector accounts for the largest portion of GDP, aided by Tel Aviv's world-renowned diamond cutting and polishing industry. The Israeli government has successfully managed fiscal policy and attracted foreign investment to create a solid base of economic growth for years to come. Extremely low inflation, a booming technology sector, and top-notch commercial infrastructure help make Israel one of the world's most promising emerging markets.
Learn more about Israel on globalEDGE Country Insights.
This month's poll question is:
"Will Israel's Tel Aviv Stock Exchange be able to escape future financial difficulties of other world markets?"
Please click a choice below to vote. You can also vote at our home page.
Israel, France Sign Bourse Accord
Jerusalem Post, by Sharon Wrobel (January 29, 2008)
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1201523782330&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull
A new agreement between France and Israel will permit Israeli securities to be listed on French exchanges, while allowing for greater entry of foreign securities to the Tel Aviv Exchange. This accord will create greater foreign exposure for Israeli securities while decreasing many of the barriers traditionally required for listing a prospectus abroad.
Canada Signs Free-Trade Agreement with EFTA to Boost Commerce
Bloomberg, by Robin Wigglesworth (January 28, 2008)
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601082&sid=aQFGvvPDPC6w&refer=canada
At the World Economic Forum, Canada signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association, which includes the countries of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The EFTA is also currently discussing agreements with the Gulf Cooperation Council, Algeria, Thailand, Colombia and Peru.
Bulgaria and Russia Sign Pipeline Deal
International Herald Tribune (January 18, 2008)
http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/01/18/europe/EU-GEN-Bulgaria-Putin.php
In a meeting between Russian and Bulgarian officials, an agreement was reached to build a 550-mile pipeline between the two countries. This move has raised concerns over Europe's increasing reliance on Russian energy.
View more News on globalEDGE.
Israel's Winemaking Revolution
BusinessWeek, by Stacy Perman (January 16, 2008)
http://www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/jan2008/sb20080116_186026.htm
Israeli wines have traditionally been disregarded by sophisticated wine drinkers, but the success of the Golan Heights Winery is quickly changing perceptions. By making use of high-technology practices that produce top-quality vintages, the Golan Heights Winery has refocused the entire industry to play to Israel's competitive advantages. Now demand exceeds supply, and the consumers around the world are discovering the latest player in the high-end wine market.
Davos 2008
BusinessWeek (January 17, 2008)
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/toc/08_04/B4068davos2008.htm
As the 2008 World Economic Forum begins, leaders from business, government, the media and academia are flocking to Davos, Switzerland. This special report from BusinessWeek coincides with the forum and focuses on the changing face of globalization. While in the past, being a "global" company meant simply having offices in multiple cities around the world, the new globalization requires streamlined and coordinated efforts from a company's entire workforce, regardless of the location of individual employees and offices.
Israel is Embracing the Electric Car on a Wide Scale
International Herald Tribune, by Steven Erlanger (January 21, 2008)
http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/21/business/cars.php?page=1
A new deal between the Israeli government and a joint-venture has the potential to change the way the world thinks about electric cars. The deal will allow for tax incentives to make the electric cars cheaper to purchase than a normal car, and requires users pay a monthly fee for mileage. It is expected that the total cost of owning and operating one of these vehicles will be significantly cheaper than a traditional gasoline powered car. If successful, the experiment could help Israel move towards energy independence and create an opportunity for the electric car to drive into the larger world market.
View more In Depth Look articles on globalEDGE.
CAFTA: Its Origins and Its Provisions
By Paulette L. Stenzel (Volume 2, Number 2, pp. 1-2, 2008)
http://globaledge.msu.edu/newsandviews/businessReviews/gBR2-2.pdf
Executive Briefing: The Dominican Republic-Central American Free Trade Agreement (DRCAFTA, commonly known as CAFTA) took effect on January 1, 2007, for all but one signatory. CAFTA's purpose is to "eliminate tariffs and trade barriers and expand regional opportunities." Paralleled to NAFTA, CAFTA is based on a paradigm that promotes growth of corporations.
This month's Featured Sites:
Israel: Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor
http://www.tamas.gov.il/NR/exeres/B0B48981-357D-446F-AFAC-91A358E93C87.htm
The official Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor site is designed to help internal and foreign companies in their efforts to start doing business in Israel. It provides business statistics, extensive overview and detailed industry sector analyses as well as taxes and laws information. Site is available in Arabic, Hebrew and English.
Category: Research: Government Resources
Country: Israel
Israel: Globes
http://globes-online.com/
Globes Online is the English version of Israeli business daily "Globes." The online paper contains extensive business and economic news and features on Israel and the Middle East. In-depth stock market coverage and a technology guide are provided and the Quickfind feature is helpful for those interested in news on a sector or specific topic. Site is also available in Hebrew.
Category: News & Periodicals: Regional News
Country: Israel
Entrepreneurs - Exporting Your Way to Success
http://www.gaebler.com/Exporting.htm
Exporting Your Way to Success is a collection of articles for small businesses or entrepreneurs interested in exploring the world of exporting. The site provides links to useful general exporting information as well as information on trade with specific regions.
Category: Trade: Trade Tutorials
View recently added sites on globalEDGE.
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