Binay seeks Israeli deals

Vice President Jejomar Binay. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay has called on Israeli government officials to explore new trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

The Vice President, who is in Israel on an official visit, also said the Philippines could learn from Israel’s technological advances in agriculture and food production.

Binay also pushed for the entry of Philippine pineapples and coconuts into the Israeli market.

“I am happy to note that Filipino agricultural workers are being exposed to Israeli agricultural technology that is considered among the best in the world. I hope that more Philippine fresh produce such as pineapples and coconuts would find their way into the mainstream Israeli retail market. The embassy has initiated the mechanism for the approval of pineapple importation to Israel in coordination with the Israel Ministry of Agriculture,” he said in a statement.

Binay earlier paid a courtesy call on the Israeli head of state, President Shimon Peres, at his official residence, Beit HaNassi, in uptown Jerusalem.

The Vice President also discussed regional developments with Israeli Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Lieberman.

He also met with Israeli business groups to reinvigorate the overall Philippine-Israeli trade relations.