This week, Governor Doug Ducey announced the opening of Arizona’s first trade and investment office in Israel. The new office, located in Tel Aviv, is part of the Arizona Commerce Authority. The governor hopes the office serves as a platform for businesses in both countries to increase international trade and foreign direct investment opportunities.
“The opening of Arizona’s trade office in Tel Aviv, Israel promises to further advance the strong relationship between our states,” said Governor Ducey in a press release. “We look forward to increased collaboration in our shared areas of strength — technology and innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship and more.”
In 2018, imports and exports between Arizona and Israel totaled more than $460 million, which is more than twice the volume since 2010. Currently, 20 Israeli-owned companies are operating in Arizona in aerospace and defense, business and financial services and technology and innovation.
The Arizona Commerce Authority has selected David Ya’ari, an entrepreneur and business leader with an extensive background in technology and finance, to lead the Tel Aviv office full-time. The office was funded in the fiscal year 2020 budget approved by the Arizona State Legislature. It adopts the efficient management process developed and practiced at the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Mexico City Trade and Investment Office, which provides representation for Arizona’s thriving business environment with minimal administrative and overhead costs.
The Israeli trade office is located in the Be All Innovation Society in Tel Aviv’s Alon Tower.