Shai starts on a high

SHAI Zarivatch – the successor to Ethy Levy as Israel’s Trade Commissioner to Australia and New Zealand – said he is “excited about the potential” to further advance already strong Israel-Australia business and investment ties, particularly in the cybersecurity and fin-tech sectors where Israel continues to be a world leader.

Speaking to The AJN from his Sydney office earlier this month, Zarivatch said “clearly this is a very unique time in the history of economic relations between our countries, it’s very positive and, absolutely, I think it’s just the beginning of what can be done”.

“From the Australian side, there’s been a strong increase in the number of business delegations going to Israel – everyone from big companies and organisations to government and industry bodies.

“And the fact that 16 Israeli companies have listed on the ASX is an indication of the potential of the market here, and also a strong indication by Israeli companies that they are here to stay.

“My main responsibility is to continue to open doors and be a bridge for Israeli companies looking for business or investment opportunities in Australia, and also to realise Australia as a market destination for them.”

Zarivatch has 12 years of experience working for Israel’s Ministry of Economy, including serving as Economic and Trade Department director at the Embassy of Israel in Singapore from 2009 to 2013, and Europe Department director from 2014.

“The next big growth sector is what’s been termed as Industry 4.0 – a new revolution in digitalisation, virtual reality, the Internet of Things, robotics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity,” he said.

“Israel is at the forefront of this, particularly in cybersecurity where at least 50 per cent of all investments are made there.

“So my vision is to introduce more Industry 4.0 solutions [by Israeli companies and start-ups] into the future of industry and manufacturing in Australia.

“The sectors we want to focus on are cybersecurity and fin-tech, but also agri-tech, food-tech and medi-tech are on our agenda for sure.”

Zarivatch added he also wants to continue the Bridge Summit, successfully introduced by Levy as a major Sydney event “where Israeli technology meets Australian capital”.

SHANE DESIATNIK