Uniting business minds

SHADOW finance minister and Goldstein MP Andrew Robb was among 34, mostly business, delegates who participated in the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce’s (AICC) most recent trade mission to Israel.

The mission focused on climate change, infrastructure, communications, information technology and population, the objective being to learn Israel’s strategies for dealing with these challenges. Participants also explored bilateral business opportunities.

AICC NSW President Kim Jacobs said the mission achieved its aim. “A lot of the people had never been to Israel before and came away understanding more about Israel, both on a geopolitical basis and also on a business basis, and recognised that Australia and Israel have a lot in common.

“Then on a business basis, there was actual business done there and I believe that two or three of the companies there are actually in the process of finalising arrangements … either for licensing or using technology, or acquisition.”

Business Council of Australia president Graham Bradley, who led the mission, said it was a wonderful experience.

“The AICC did a great job in organising the event, and I’ve heard nothing but positive feedback about the program,” he said.

A spokesperson for Robb said the shadow minister was impressed with the Israeli Government-backed innovation incubators program.

He was particularly interested in Israel’s commitment to technology, innovation, research and development and its culture where entrepreneurialism is both encouraged and nurtured.

Another participant, Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout said she felt privileged to have participated.

“I returned full of ideas and inspired, and that is a good outcome,” she said. “Israel has made innovation an art form. It has created a vibrant economy and vibrant community out of knowledge and its application to industry. Australia has much to learn from this.”

Other prominent business leaders who attended the mission included KPMG NSW chairman Chris Jordan, Optus chief executive Paul O’Sullivan and Rothschild Australia executive chairman Trevor Rowe.

For the first time, seven young leaders attended the mission, among them Ernst and Young 2010 Australian young entrepreneur of the year Zhenya Tsvetnenko, Australian Youth Climate Coalition national director Ellen Sandell and Australian Indigenous Minority Supplier Council chief executive Natalie Walker.

GARETH NARUNSKY

From left: Weizmann Institute’s Professor Mudi Sheves, shadow finance minister Andrew Robb and Business Council of Australia president Graham Bradley