German Business Delegation Highlights Cooperation in Chemicals, Security Technology

Berlin/Tel Aviv – German companies are seeking to strengthen ties to Israel through high-tech cooperation. Germany Trade & Invest is accompanying a business delegation that includes BASF, PlasmaChem, ITAVA and Fraunhofer – with representatives from locations across eastern Germany – to Tel Aviv this week. The trip will wrap up with an investor event this Wednesday for Israeli companies looking for business opportunities in Germany.

"Germany is already Israel’s most important trading partner in the EU, but there is still plenty of room to strengthen ties. The high-tech industries of eastern Germany are an especially good fit for Israel," stated Dr. Jürgen Friedrich, Chief Executive of Germany Trade & Invest.

Alongside security technology – including crisis management and civilian protection – the focus of the delegation trip and business forum is the chemical industry. This sector is already driving trade between Germany and Israel. In 2010, Israel imported goods and services worth EUR 2.88 billion from Germany; more than a quarter of these were chemicals or chemical products. Chemical exports to Germany also ranked first.

Germany recognizes Tel Aviv as one of the most important high-tech business locations in Israel. Members of the delegation trip will have an opportunity to visit companies here and make new contacts. At the industry forum on December 14, Germany Trade & Invest will present the advantages of doing business in Germany to Israeli business leaders.