Enhanced ties with China ‘good for the citizens of Israel’

Netanyahu spoke of the benefits Israel will reap from advancing ties with China, as both countries agreed to advance bilateral cooperation in several sectors. 

Following up on remarks to Chinese corporate leaders on Monday as part of an official state visit, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Israel agreed to expand bilateral cooperation with China in the economic sector during a working meeting on Monday with his Chinese counterpart, Li Keqiang.

Both countries made a commitment towards advancing the establishment of a mutual free-trade zone. Additionally, China accepted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a fast track for Israeli and Chinese investors.

“I just met with 11 heads of the largest corporations in China and a major portion of them are investing in Israel and a major portion of them will invest in Israel,” said Netanyahu on Monday.

“This means jobs, the development of businesses and a link to the major Chinese markets,” he continued. “This is good for the citizens of Israel and for the Israeli economy.”

Israel was also able to reach an agreement with China on several other issues, including foreign workers from China, cooperation on aviation and establishing joint laboratories. Assisting Netanyahu were his office’s Director General Eli Groner, Economy and Industry Minister Eli Cohen, Ambassador to China Zvi Heifetz and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis.

By: Jonathan Benedek, World Israel News