2017年CRI Israel expects cooperation in new areas with China: experts

 

In recent years, China and Israel have seen significant growth in economic cooperation.

Statistics show China is now Israel's third-largest trade partner worldwide and its largest partner in Asia, with total trade surpassing 11 billion US dollars in 2016.

Negotiations¹ are underway aiming to reach a free-trade agreement that will further boost these numbers.

Israeli Embassy spokeswoman Efrat Perri says she is looking forward to deepened bilateral² cooperation in some new areas, with technology being the priority.

"When I say technologies, it can touch many different fields, so it's either agricultural technologies, or medical devices which can also be connected to technologies. Even from an education point of view, or cultural point of view. I think this is we Israel as nation excel. In technology, I believe that we'll see a greater shift and increase than the past three years."

Founding director of the Chinese Media Center at Israel College of Applied³ Science, Alexander B. Pevzner, says Israeli companies can not only work with Chinese counterparts in entering the Chinese market, but also draw on their experience in exploring the global market.

He adds, tourism is now the fastest growing area of the bilateral ties.

"Last year, almost 80,000 Chinese tourists came to Israel, the number almost doubled in two years. From last November, both countries agreed to implement⁴ a ten-year multiple entry visa. And another reason is more flights. Hainan Airline has started direct flight from Israel to Beijing. And I also know the Israeli Minister of tourism is working with China to start a direct flight to Shanghai. It's very realistic to expect even 200,000 Chinese tourists to Israel by the end of 2018."

The new visa also allows travelers to stay for up to 90 days per visit.

Pevzner says the One Belt One Road initiative proposed by China can also benefit Israel.

"I think it creates fantastic opportunities, because basically the One Belt One Road initiative wants to connect Asia and Europe in trade and exchanges. Something which is very common in Europe, as we have the European Union. But in Asia is less common. I think this is an opportunity not only can bring economic development to areas that are underdeveloped. I think it's also an opportunity that brings countries together, countries still have another opportunity to actually communicate with each other, and perhaps to improve the political ties."

He says with more comprehensive bilateral ties, both sides can make progress in overcoming challenges such as geographical⁵ distance, cultural differences and language barriers.

1 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。

2 bilateral   

adj.双方的，两边的，两侧的

参考例句：

• They have been negotiating a bilateral trade deal.他们一直在商谈一项双边贸易协定。
• There was a wide gap between the views of the two statesmen on the bilateral cooperation.对双方合作的问题，两位政治家各自所持的看法差距甚大。

3 applied   

adj.应用的；v.应用，适用

参考例句：

• She plans to take a course in applied linguistics.她打算学习应用语言学课程。
• This cream is best applied to the face at night.这种乳霜最好晚上擦脸用。

4 implement   

n.(pl.)工具，器具；vt.实行，实施，执行

参考例句：

• Don't undertake a project unless you can implement it.不要承担一项计划，除非你能完成这项计划。
• The best implement for digging a garden is a spade.在花园里挖土的最好工具是铁锹。

5 geographical   

adj.地理的；地区(性)的

参考例句：

• The current survey will have a wider geographical spread.当前的调查将在更广泛的地域范围內进行。
• These birds have a wide geographical distribution.这些鸟的地理分布很广。