Ulmert – increased biotechnology collaboration between Israel and Australia

In a signing ceremony held by Israel’s minister for industry trade and employment Mr. Ehud Ulmert and visiting Australia’s state governor of Victoria Mr. Steve Breks, the two men signed a declaration to increase bi-lateral collaboration in biotechnology research and development.
 
Governor Breks is the third Australian high ranking officials visiting Israel this year.
Last March Mr. Peter Biti, governor of Queensland was on a state visit during which an agreement was signed between the Israeli Vulkani Agricultural Institute and the University of Queensland.
 
Last April Mr. Warren Trust, Australia’s Agriculture Minister headed a trade delegation whose main interest was water treatment in desert areas.
 
Victoria is the second largest state in Australia in terms of population, 4 millions, and economic activities. It accounts for 25% of the Australian’s GDP.
 
Australia is regarded worldwide as a leader in biotechnology research and development.         The biotechnology industry is concentrated in and around Victoria .Queensland and New  South Wales. The three Australian states have been investing heavily in recent years in biotechnology research as well as infrastructure  and the newly signed agreement will enable Israeli biotechnology firms to increase their involvement in Australia.
 
Mr. Amiram Halevi head of the Far East desk at the Ministry of Trade noted that the bilateral trade with Australia is growing steadily reaching the us$400 million this year. The Israeli export this year to Australia will reach the level of us$300millions.
 
Mrs. Nili Shalev , Israel’s trade representative to Australia added during the signing ceremony that some 50 Israeli companies involved in communication, irrigation, plastics and chemicals run representative offices in Australia.