By Staff
LANSING – Sen. Ron Jelinek, fellow legislators and representatives from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Michigan Israel Business Bridge traveled to Israel during August in search of economic development opportunities.
The Legislators Mission focused on developing research collaboration and economic partnerships between Michigan and Israel.
Israel has more than 2,500 high-tech companies and 80 venture capital funds but has a limited domestic market.
Discussions focused on the potential for Israeli businesses to locate in Michigan, opportunities for Michigan products to be marketed in Israel and the prospects of research and collaboration between Israeli and Michigan universities.
Participants met with representatives of Israeli businesses that deal with homeland security, alternative fuel development and biotechnology.
These companies included: Elbit Industries, Johnson and Johnson, Phoenicia Glass, Israel Export, Hadassah Hospital and International Cooperation Institute.
They also were briefed by political analysts and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Israel's political, security and social issues.