The Central Bureau of Statistics and Ministry of Tourism said last week that 1.3 million tourists visited Israel between January and August this year. The number of visits is 25% higher than the parallel period in 2004

The organizing committee of "Agritech 2006" the leading Israeli international Agricultural exhibition said last week that the improved security situation in the region was having a positive effect on foreign visitors willing to attend the event

Following declaration made earlier this year by The Ministry of Industry and trade putting China as a preferred export target, alongside India, Mexico, and Brazil the Ministry said that it will set up and operate two permanent trade centers in two Chinese

A declaration of intent was signed last week by leaders of the Mercosur nations and Israel Ambassador to Argentina, Rafael Eldad, to begin negotiation for the setting up of a free trade pact between Israel and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay

A Brazilian business & industrial delegation visited Israel last week as guests of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute

The "Special 301 Report" priority watch list for 2005, published last week by the office of the US Trade Representative ( USTR ) part of the U.S. International Trade Commission, put Israel back on its priority watch list of countries violating intellectua

Manufacturers Association president and Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute chairman Shraga Brosh predicted last week that Foreign investment will reach $4-5 billion in 2005, compared with $1.6 billion in 2004

Shraga Brosh, Manufacturers Association president and Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute chairman said last week that the Israeli security and safety industry is currently the best industrial sector of Israel's exports