Zim is seeking ways to improve its debt structure in view of the ongoing slump in the shipping industry and the company's heavy debt

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services, appointed 57-year-old Rafi Danieli as president and CEO as the container carrier. Mr Danieli, a 31-year veteran at Zim, has served as CFO for 12 years and deputy CEO for three

The Israel Motor Vehicles Importers Association announced last week that on the basis of licensing figures only 23,646 new vehicles were delivered in January-February 2009, 40% fewer than in the corresponding months of 2008

Israel's textile and fashion industry has been one of the worst-hit industries by the global recession

According to initial estimates by the Ministry of Finance the government deficit rose to NIS 3 billion in February

In its update on emerging markets Merrill Lynch has cut its 2009 growth forecast for Israel from zero to - 0.7%. It kept, however, its 2010 growth forecast for Israel unchanged at 1.5% growth

Workers at the ports declared several strike protesting salary aspects, ignoring an agreement not to strike for five years as part of the reforms instituted at the country's ports

The Phnom Penh Post said last week that 30 Israeli delegates from the government and private sector would meet up to 40 Cambodian business leaders