The economic forum focusing on Croatia’s medical tourism potential, drew about 100 business people

Dr. Strauss-Kahn: "in times like this there is room for local initiatives, and what Israel, led by Minister Steinitz, did with the original idea of a biennial budget is exactly the kind of initiatives that are able to improve the economic situation."

The agreements aim to increase economic cooperation between Israel and Croatia, which is in the advanced stages of joining the European Union

The reason for the change in status is flight safety problems and oversight issues that have not yet been solved

The 2007 index showed an improvement in Israel's standing from last year, rising to 30th place out of the 180 countries surveyed, while in 2006 Israel was ranked 34. This year's score rose to 6.1 out of 10, compared with 5.9 in 2006

Israel in the 20th place among 61 nations in the 2006 world competitiveness rankings. Israel has risen 22 places in the rankings from 42nd in 2005

In January 2005 import of goods (excluding diamonds) totaled $2.8 billion, export of goods (excluding diamonds) totaled $2.0 billion and the trade deficit (excluding diamonds) totaled $0.8 billion

The first cruise vessel to visit Eilat, in four years, docked last week. "The Albatross", with 700 mostly German tourists and a crew of 300, anchored in Eilat last Sunday. The ship sailed from Spain, and arrived in Eilat after stops in Tripoli, Libya, Por