Israel - Follow The Money

1.Israel and India move toward free trade pact
     Economic relations between Israel and India are set for a significant upgrade in the coming months. Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz met with his Indian counterpart Pranab Mukherjee in Washington DC on Friday, and the two men agreed to prepare the ground for a free trade agreement (FTA) between their two countries. Negotiations on a financial protocol will begin in November.

2.State budget enjoys NIS 1B surplus in September 
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, the surplus beat predictions of a deficit to that effect. Analysts believe September's surplus was the result of higher tax revenue. Figures mean State deficit unlikely to exceed 4% at year's end .

3.Israeli chutzpah a hot commodity in China
Industry, Trade and Labor Minister Binyamin Ben Eliezer's recent visit to China was highlighted by an unexpected surprise. The city of Shenzhen, which he visited, declared it regards Israel as a country with which it would like to explore technological cooperation, after initiating a seminar calling Chinese companies to invest in Israel. Not even the United States or South Korea were singled out in this way.
Shenzhen is not alone. The hi-tech fair held in Tianjin this year showcased the Israeli flag, which is the only foreign flag to appear in the event's website.

4.Chinese co in talks to take over Makhteshim
China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) and Koor reached a tentative understanding on a deal under which ChemChina will buy all the public's shares in Makhteshim, and ChemChina will also buy 17% of Makhteshim from its parent company Koor. The transaction will effectively value Makhteshim at approximately $2.72 billion  (That's  "Billion", not "million)!
Comment: China continues to purchase raw material sources around the world as part of of their diversification, while Israel's Foreign currency reserves grow to 66 billion in Sep. This is the first I have heard of such a large Chinese investment in Israel. Clearly, Iran does not bother them.

5.Jerusalem ranked among top 10 cities in world
    Now it's official: The city of Jerusalem has been ranked as one of the world's top 10 attractive traveling destinations. In massive online poll launched by popular travel site Trip Advisor, City of David chosen one of world's top attractive traveling destinations - before London, Istanbul and Venice. Capital described as having 'profound cultural and historical significance'

6. It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters - Epictetus (philosopher)

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