HALIFAX — Trade possibilities between Nova Scotia and Israel took a giant step forward with a June 15 information session and workshop in Halifax preceding an October 2011 trade mission to Israel.
Jon Goldberg
The trade mission will be headed by provincial Premier Darrell Dexter.
“I would term it a success,” said Jon Goldberg, executive director of the Atlantic Jewish Council, who assisted Nova Scotia Business Inc. in co-ordinating the event, which attracted more than 15 business interests.
“We certainly have more work to do to generate more interest in the October mission but this early expression of interest was gratifying,” said Goldberg, who gave a historical perspective of Israel prior to economic discussions.
Jonathan Levy, Israel’s Consul for Economic Affairs and Trade Commissioner to Canada, told the attendees about the opportunities in Israel for Nova Scotia companies and, conversely, for Israeli companies wishing to work in and with Nova Scotians.
“I see this as a two-way street,” he said in an interview. “We’ve developed a great relationship between Canadian federal and provincial governments and Israel. We’ve had several missions from Canada to Israel and the excitement of these prospects (Nova Scotia and Israel) is evident.”
He told the audience there were opportunities in many sectors, including a newly developed oil and gas industry with an already burgeoning one in Nova Scotia. “Health care, IT and environmental technologies are other industries that should show mutual interest.”
David Daniels, director, science and technology investment attraction for Nova Scotia Business Inc., said the information session was an excellent way for the business people to learn about Israel.
“Most of them don’t know of Israel’s educated work force, the number of public companies, and of so many who are doing innovative things,” he said. “Nova Scotia can offer Israeli companies a close connection to the Eastern Seaboard of the United States by air and sea, a strong port, and an easy connection to central Canada.”
Karen Oldfield, president and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority, recently returned from Israel and is looking forward to going again in October.
“ZIM is one of the key components of our port business. We have to continue to foster its business. That can show other companies how viable and worthwhile it is to work with Nova Scotians,” she said, while also explaining the vibrancy and excitement of Israel.
