By Helen Castaño | 10:05 PM February 25, 2023
Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado announced Saturday of his visit to Israel on Monday, Feb. 27.
The visit is Aumentado’s first as governor, but not his first time in Israel.
Aumentado will travel along with some public officials from Cebu City upon the invitation of Israel ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss to join a delegation to Israel from February 27 to March 4.
Fluss said the visit will showcase the technology and innovation of Israel on water, agriculture, health, airport management, cybersecurity, among others.
Fluss said following his official visit to Cebu last June 2022, a number of businessmen and government officials expressed their interest to know of Israel’s ways and best practices in developing its economy.
“Not only will you gain a first-hand experience of our technologies, but also allow see the opportunities for the Philippines, especially Cebu and the Visayas, in establishing stronger relations with potential investors,” said Fluss in his invitation.
The Embassy of Israel and the Economic Mission will assist in setting-up the relevant business meetings for the entire delegation.
Aumentado said his visit to Israel to familiarize himself with drip and other innovation would be of great help.
He emphasized that the travel is free and the provincial government of Bohol is not spending any amount for the trip.
“Walay gasto ang provincial government of Bohol. Maayo nga biyahe ni kay daghan ta makat-unan nga puwede maaply sa atong probinsya,” said Aumentado.
He also said he will seek more investments and invite more tourists from Israel since investors from Israel are eyeing potential business ventures in the Philippines.
Science and technology in Israel is one of the country’s most developed sectors. Israel spent 4.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on civil research and development in 2015, the highest ratio in the world.
In 2019, Israel was ranked the world’s fifth most innovative country by the Bloomberg Innovation Index.