Nation to strengthen tech links with Israel

JERUSALEM — China and Israel are intensifying their joint efforts to tap into the vast potential for cooperation in innovation, which benefits both nations.

Vice-President Wang Qishan visited Israel this week and attended the fourth meeting of the China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation to bolster their collaboration.

Ami Appelbaum, chief scientist and chairman of the board of the Israeli Innovation Authority, said there is still work to be done on both sides in order to fully realize the potential of the bilateral relations.

“1+1 (China and Israel) will be much bigger than each one on its own,” he told Xinhua.

“The next step for the two countries will be Israeli and Chinese entities working together in the Chinese market,” said Yaki Zinger, vicepresident of LR Group, an Israeli firm specializing in development and financing of large-scale projects in highgrowth economies.

During the visit, Wang headed a large delegation with members from different ministries. Agreements were signed between the two countries in fields including science and technology, life science, innovation, digital health and agriculture.

There are several areas in which China and Israel have mutual benefits to offer, officials said. Biomedicine is one of them.

“The market in China is an excellent opportunity for us,” Zinger said. “We will bring the medical training center for medical staff to China, and we have the backup of the Israeli Economy and Finance ministries.”

Agritech, Appelbaum said, is another potential field of cooperation.

Israel is considered an agricultural powerhouse after years of experience using technologies to overcome an arid climate and harsh conditions. The country is also considered a pioneer in precision irrigation.

“For China, with its huge population, its agriculture sector is an area where I think both countries need to focus to leverage our knowledge on one hand, and to explore needs and opportunities on the other, and to work together for the benefit of humankind,” he said.

In the field of autonomous driving, there is also great potential. China, at the forefront of driverless vehicles, can benefit greatly from the thriving autonomous driving technology in Israel.

Economic relations between the two countries grew rapidly since the establishment of diplomatic ties at the beginning of the 1990s.

There is also increasing cooperation in civil aviation.

Eli Alfassi, vice-president of marketing at Israel Aerospace Industries, called the future of cooperation bright.

“IAI is planning to form a joint venture for general aviation aircraft design, manufacturing and sales in China,” Alfassi said.

“China’s aviation industry is growing rapidly and IAI is a natural partner of Chinese companies, with our extensive know-how and experience to help promote the field in China,” he added.

However, challenges, mainly cultural, remain. There are differences in language, customs and business practices.

To deal with the obstacles, there should be more cultural interaction between the two countries, officials said. Chinese and Israeli employees should be encouraged to work together, Appelbaum suggested.