In the photo: California and Israel Strengthen Economic Relationship with Research and Development Agreement Signed at BIO San Diego
SAN DIEGO - June 23, 2014 - On Tuesday, June 24 during the BIO International Convention in San Diego, Israel and California will build on the strategic cooperation agreement signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with California Governor Jerry Brown, promoting economic development and intergovernmental partnerships between Israel and California.
In San Diego, State of California Governor's Office of Business Development Director Kish Rajan and Consul General of Israel David Siegel will sign an agreement authorizing the State of Israel and the State of California to enter into joint research and development projects.
"This agreement is an important next step in the implementation of the Israel - California strategic partnership," said Siegel. "Israel is excited about the opportunity to partner with California agencies and engage in joint R&D projects which help address some of the world's most dire needs."
"The signing of this R&D agreement is an opportunity to enhance economic relations between Israel and the state of California," Gili Ovadia, Israel's Consul for Economic Affairs said. "It will create fruitful relationships between businesses in the U.S and in Israel. And, with the signing of this agreement, our ability to assist Israeli and American business interests alike, has been strengthened in the best and most strategic way possible."
The signing at the BIO International Convention strengthens the agreement signed last March in Silicon Valley by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Governor Brown which expands economic, cultural, and academic cooperation as part of the new Israel - California strategic partnership. It includes special emphasis on water conservation, alternative energy, cyber defense, biotechnology and health, and agricultural technology. The agreement enables Israeli companies to access California's iHUB innovation network which includes 16 clusters of research parks, technology incubators, universities and federal laboratories, together with economic development organizations, business groups, and venture capital funds.
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About the Israel Economic Mission to the West Coast
The Government of Israel Economic Mission to the West Coast is responsible for enhancing bi-national trade relations between the West Coast and Israeli business communities. The main fields of activity include promoting trade and exports, attracting and encouraging foreign investments and creating strategic cooperation with foreign companies. By leveraging its networking capacity and industry knowledge in Israel and the Western United States, the Economic Mission is able to seamlessly engage prospective business partners half a world apart