One of the CTC Tel Aviv objectives for 2019 is to reach out to stakeholders and lay the foundation for facilitating commercial opportunities in northern Israel. Considering the exports of Cypriot products, the northern region presents itself as a distinct market, full of opportunities which are worth exploring. Haifa’s ever-growing infrastructure in terms of port services, is to be highlighted as it provides prompt accessibility of products to market but also creates investment opportunities in the maritime and tourism sectors.
Moreover, the region’s thriving research and innovation scene, with a plethora of academic/research institutions and innovation centres provides a great platform for promoting cooperation initiatives in the domain.
A first step in reaching out to the regional community was taken on 24 September 2019. In collaboration with the Haifa Municipality a working visit of the Ambassador of Cyprus to Israel, H.E. Thessalia Salina Shambos and the Head of the CTC Tel Aviv, Mr. Sofronis Papageorgiou was organized.
Site-visits and targeted meetings were held with:
- The Haifa Economic Corporation, which is the city’s development arm, holding responsibility for a wide array of major economic projects, delivering commercial, social and environmental benefits to its people
- The Haifa Port, serving as a regional partner to Cypriot ports and maritime businesses, for both commercial and leisure activities
- The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Haifa and the North, leading economic development in northern Israel and facilitating business opportunities for an impressive range of industrial and commercial member-organisations
- The Haifa Municipality, leading local policymaking and rolling out collective initiatives for the benefit of its citizens, including -and not limited to- economic development.
Following the meetings, the CTC Tel Aviv hosted a business lunch with leaders from local authorities and the business community leading to a constructive exchange of views on ways of advancing multi-sectoral cooperation between our respective countries.
We had the pleasure of hosting the Deputy Mayor, the President of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Haifa and the North, the President of the Chamber of Shipping of Israel, the Director of the Administration of Shipping & Ports (Transport Ministry), Directors of various public and private entities, such as the Haifa Port, the Haifa Economic Corporation, The Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center (MCTC), MATI Haifa and representatives from VC firms.
Focus areas included maritime, trade and research and innovation. Without losing sight of strategic endeavours, several short-term and mid-term actions were identified.
We look forward to work hand-in-hand with the aforementioned stakeholders, as well as others, to deliver mutual economic benefit to our respective countries.
