Israel urged to partner with PH on tech, infra
Credit to Author: MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO, TMT| Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2019 16:26:50 +0000
The Israeli government has been urged to explore possible technology and construction partnerships with the Philippines, the Finance department said on Tuesday.
In a statement, it said the invitation was extended by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez 3rd to Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz during a recent meeting.
“There are ample opportunities for bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Israel in the technology and construction sectors. We have invited Israeli experts in these fields to visit the
Philippines to explore possible cooperation arrangements,” Dominguez was quoted as having told Harpaz.
Recognizing Israel’s status as one of the world’s most active hubs of technology innovation and “green” or eco-friendly construction, Dominguez said the Philippines could learn much to ensure that the “Build Build Build” program was implemented efficiently.
Undersecretary Mark Dennis Joven, who heads the department’s International Finance Group, was tasked to coordinate with the Israeli Embassy.
Dominguez said he had also asked Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier to meet with Israeli officials to discuss ways of tapping Israel’s cybersecurity innovations as the Philippines was increasingly using electronic payments systems to facilitate trade and expand access to credit.
Harpaz, for his part, was said to have welcomed Dominguez’s proposals and offered Israel’s assistance in improving the Philippines’ capacity to utilize “green” technologies in implementing infrastructure projects as well as digital solutions to improve the BSP’s cybersecurity system.
He also emphasized the need to establish a financial protocol with the Philippines, especially since at least 10 Israeli companies were reportedly interested in investing in New Clark City in Pampanga.
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