Israel Trade and Investment Mission Offered in November

August 28, 2008

COLUMBIA, SC – August 27, 2008 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce will lead a trade and investment mission to Israel, November 6-14, with stops in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.  Dr. Ray Greenberg, president of the Medical University of South Carolina, will serve as head of the South Carolina delegation.

The mission will assist South Carolina businesses looking to expand their market reach by selling products to Israeli importers.  Companies participating in the mission will be given the resources and guidance to pursue export opportunities in Israel. Companies will receive one-on-one matchmaking appointments arranged by the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service with potential buyers, distributors, representatives and/or business partners in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. 

In 2007, Israel purchased $28.9 million in South Carolina products, a 10.5 percent increase over 2006.  South Carolina exports to Israel included: paper products, machinery, chemical manufactures, fabric mill products and plastic and rubber products.

Israel has a diversified, technologically advanced economy.  The major industrial sectors include high-technology electronic and biomedical equipment, metal products, processed foods, chemicals, and transport equipment. Israel possesses a substantial service sector and is one of the world’s centers for diamond cutting and polishing. It also is a world leader in software development.

Academic leaders and elected officials are invited to participate to learn more about Israel’s cutting-edge research initiatives and activities among their counterparts. 

The participation fee is $2400 for companies wanting pre-screened appointments with importers (register before Friday, August 29th, for $1750).  Participation fee for elected officials, academic delegates and economic developers is $1500 (register before August 29th for $1100).  Registration is available online at www.regonline.com/Israel08.  Interested parties can also contact Leigh Roberson at the Department of Commerce at (803) 737-0488.