A declaration of intent was signed last week by leaders of the Mercosur nations and Israel Ambassador to Argentina, Rafael Eldad, to begin negotiation for the setting up of a free trade pact between Israel and Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay

Finance Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at the 13th Caesarea conference said Israel's economy is growing faster than that of Europe or the United States. Netanyahu noted that as a result of the fast growth, tax revenue had gone up despite tax cuts

Following a compromise reached between the Ministers of Transport and Finance, Swissport International Ltd will operate the second air cargo terminal at Ben Gurion Airport

Jochanan Wallach, manager of Israel & Near East Area office at Zim Integrated Shipping Services has been nominated director general of Newlog, Zim's logistic provider. Newlog's current managing director Mr. Shaul Ramon will replace Wallach as manager of N

The Central Bureau of Statistics ( CBS) released last week data indicating that the value of exports of agricultural produce rose by 15% over the first four months of 2005 to $500 million, compared to the parallel period last year

“The signing, late last year, of the QIZ is undoubtedly the most important event in the history of relations with Egypt, since the signing of the peace accord”

According to figures published by the Central Bureau of Statistics ( CBS ) and the Tourism Ministry, almost 710,000 tourists visited Israel in the first five months of the year

According to Manufacturers Association statistics, published last week, small and medium-size companies exported in 2004 over $5.2 billion. The companies' export represent 22% of Israel's total industrial exports