"Our relationship would never vary from its allegiance to the shared
values, the shared religious heritage, the shared democratic politics
which have made the relationship between the United States and Israel
a special--even on occasion a wonderful--relationship, said former
American President Bill Clinton, and a recent visitor to Israel.
The two nations cooperate on a wide variety of projects that
reinforce their common beliefs. These shared value initiatives cover
everything from science to education to health and to high-tech.
Today's interdependent global economy requires that trade policy be
developed at the national and state level. Many American States are
realizing significant benefits by increasing trade with Israel.
No fewer than 23 states have cooperative agreements with Israel.
As a result of the recent visits by technology and trade missions to
Israel, led by Governors of individual American States, new business
ties are being forged.
The American-Israel Chamber of Commerce recently concluded a
technology and trade mission to Israel with a delegation of 40
Georgia business leaders. The mission, including Georgia Governor
Sonny Perdue, officials from the Georgia Department of Economic
Development and business leaders from targeted Georgia industries
visited Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Caesaria, Haifa, Yokneam-Megiddo and
Ra'anana. The delegation met with Israeli governmental leaders and
potential business investors in the technology and bioscience
industries. A number of major business deals were announced during
the mission:
"This mission generated new economic activity in Georgia and enhanced
our state's position as one of Israel's primary business centers in
North America," said Perdue.
Georgia is a regional or United States headquarters to more than 40
Israeli companies.
Last year, the United States and Israel did $23.7 billion in
business, up from $3.5 billion in 1985, the year the two nations
signed their first free trade agreement. Moreover, last month two
Israel-based technology companies announced that they are shifting
headquarters operations to Maryland. Three other companies are
opening key offices there as part of the state's push to recruit
Israeli high-tech companies, Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele said in an
interview while in Tel Aviv.
Today, it's about technology." said Maryland Governor Steele, who was
on a five-day trade mission to Israel
About 30 Israeli companies have operations in Maryland, according to
the Maryland/Israel Development Center in Baltimore
As American states like Georgia, Maryland and Virginia lead the way
in attracting Israeli companies, Israelis are quick to realize that
these states open the portal to the vast American market.
The U.S.-Israel relationship is based on the twin pillars of shared
values and mutual interests. Given this community of interests and
beliefs, it should not be surprising that support for Israel is one
of the most pronounced and consistent foreign policy pillars of the
American people.