David Arzi: life sciences exports could double in 5 years

Arzi noted that in 2005 life sciences exports rose by 35% to $3.3 billion
 
On the eve of the departure of an Export Institute delegation of six Israeli medical manufacturers to Thailand, Singapore and Australia the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute (IEICI) chairman David Arzi predicted that Israel was able to double life sciences exports within five years to $6.5 billion.
In a press release issued by the IEICI Arzi noted that in 2005 life sciences exports rose by 35% to $3.3 billion.
The press release noted that Israel's life sciences industry includes in the main pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and medical preparations.
Pharmaceuticals exports account for the bulk of Israel's life sciences exports. In 2005 Pharmaceuticals exports reached $2.5 billion.
Arzi  noted that 63% of Israel's life sciences exports shipped to the US, 28% to Europe, and 6.5% to the Far East.
Arzi added that once a free-trade agreement with Mercosur (Mercado Comun del Sur, comprising Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay) is approved and signed South America will be the focus of life sciences marketing in 2007.