Alibaba founder Ma traveling around country
Chinese billionaire Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba – one of the largest e-commerce websites in the world – is visiting Israel and setting off a frenzy among local investors.
The business magnate is hobnobbing with Israel’s tech elite, as well as meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Ma is scheduled to address Tel Aviv University students on Thursday, along with receiving an honorary degree. Ma is set to meet with academics and researchers at the university specializing in artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering.
Some 35 executives are accompanying Ma, who arrived in the country on Monday.
On Wednesday, Ma and his delegation are set to visit the Israel Museum and meet with Economy Minister Eli Cohen, Globes business daily reported. The museum is set to host a meet-and-greet with local investors.
The Alibaba chairman also plans to visit the offices of Jerusalem Venture Partners. Alibaba has invested heavily in JVP, a venture capital fund set up by former Knesset member and philanthropist Erel Margalit.
In October, Alibaba announced plans to launch an Israeli research hub, as part of setting up a global “academy” with seven research and development centers worldwide.
One of China’s richest men, Ma kicked off his trip by reportedly floating in the Dead Sea.
Ma was also spotted eating at some of the country’s hottest restaurants, including Jerusalem’s Eucalyptus restaurant located right outside the Old City walls.