Speeches

Statements by Senior

Embassy Officials

Remarks by Ambassador Richard H. Jones
Reception in honor of the City of Columbus Business Mission to Israel
April 8, 2008, 6:30 pm

It’s my pleasure to host this dinner in honor of the Columbus Business Mission to Israel.

Over 300 Ohio firms are already doing business in Israel, and I hope that the contacts established over the course of this visit will pave the way for future partnerships and business opportunities both here and in Columbus.  

Right here in Hertzliya, where I’ve been a resident for almost three years, Mayor Yael German has advanced the Hertzliya Industrial Zone, a forward-looking strategic plan to attract companies to the city, and in turn, provide increased opportunities for its residents.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Mayor Coleman has successfully worked to revitalize downtown Columbus.  In the past five years more than 5,000 new apartments and condos have been built and almost 3,000 jobs have moved to the downtown area.

Both Ohio and Israel boast vibrant high tech and medical science industries and research centers.  Visits between the countries by government officials – like Mayors German and Coleman – Chambers of Commerce and businesses are fundamental in promoting greater cooperation and commerce.  Innovative research and business proposals that share and capitalize on our countries’ research and development in the life sciences and environmental and medical industries not only create business synergies, but often provide breakthrough innovations that benefit our societies.  Ohio collaboration with Israeli-based technology companies will no doubt accelerate the discovery of new treatments for difficult-to-treat diseases and conditions.

Good luck to all of you in the final days of this visit, and in the future as your collaboration continues and strengthens.