Israel deems Cebu as vital trade partner

CEBU, Philippines - Following the opening of its Consulate Office here, the Israeli government expects to strengthen trade partnership with Cebu, specifically in tourism, Information Technology, manufacturing, infrastructure, and consumer goods.

The State of Israel led by Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Zvi Aviner Vapni celebrated its 61st Independence Day celebration for the first time in Cebu last Wednesday, to signify the country’s recognition of Cebu as an important trade partner for Israel.

The Israeli government appointed Emily Benedicto-Chioson as the honorable consul for Israel in Cebu.

“Cebu is very important for us,” Vapni said adding that the reason why his government has decided to put a permanent representation here.

The Ambassador emphasized the huge potential of Cebu to attract more Israeli tourists saying “you have everything here,” that Israeli travelers like.

He said there are two qualities of Israeli tourists, the young travelers, and the mature tourists. The former prefers adventure like scuba diving, trekking, and river rafting, among others. The mature tourists also like to explore the exotic sites, and wellness.

“You have treasury of islands and landscape which we don’t have in our country,” Vapni said.

He mentioned about the “Survivor: Israel” which was shot in the Philippines, that is now currently being aired in Israel could bring a big impact in terms of awareness of 7.28 million Israelis to the Philippines.

“For some reason Israelis do not know much about the Philippines, or Cebu,” he said may it be in tourism, trade and business.

In the last few years, the Philippines only recorded less than three thousand Israeli arrivals to the country. Vapni said this is sad as at least two million Israelis travel to different countries in Asia a year.

To date, their popular destination is Thailand, Vietnam and India.

Likewise, the Ambassador also said that Filipinos should also consider Israel as one of the destinations, considering that the Philippines is a Christian nation.

“From such a Christian country, its amazing how little number of Filipinos go to Israel,” he said.

Aside from celebrating its 61st Independence Day in Cebu, Vapni said the Isreali government will also open a 10-day Food Festival in Cebu at the Cebu City Marriott Hotel next month to enhance the awareness of Cebuanos to the Israeli food and culture.

Vapni sees a stronger mutual trade relationship between the Philippines and Israel to increase the present US$200 million average annual trade exchange.

Also next month, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is set to conduct a trade mission to Israel, said CCCI president Sam Chioson.

According to Chioson 15 Cebuano businessmen have committed to join the trade mission that is expected to forge business partnership with Israel traders especially in IT and agri-business.

Likewise, Vapni said that he will be bringing more trade missions from Israel to Cebu to increase the awareness of Israeli businessmen to the huge opportunity of investments in the Philippines, especially Cebu.

Israel, a country in Western Asia located on the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea, has attracted a total of 70,000 Filipinos, most of them are working as caregivers.