Israel's service exports up 7% during the first nine months of 2012

The exports reached US$21.2 billion; led by computer services, software and research and development
 
The Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEICI) reported that exports of services up 7% in the first nine months of the year, compared with the corresponding period in 2011, to US$21.2 billion.
 
The increase was led, according to the report, by exports of computer services, software and research and development. Ramzi Gabbai, the institute's chairman noted that "In contrast to the trend in merchandise exports this year, service exports have continued to grow nicely compared to 2011."
 
As a result of the good performance of the service sector, total exports for the year 2012 will probably be unchanged from last year in dollar terms.
 
IEICI also noted that business services (not counting start-up companies), which account for just under two third of the total, rose by 7% to US$13 billion. Tourism, which accounts for 18%, also rose by 7% to US$4 billion.