Consul General Orna Sagiv speaks of Indo-Israeli relations

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Aug 1, 2012 : Speaking at an interactive session titled “20 Years of Indo-Israel Diplomatic Relations,” held in the premises of Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on July 31, Tuesday, Orna Sagiv, consul general for Israel, said that a proposal to establish a consulate in Bangalore will be approved in September 2012.

 

Confirming that there is no opposition to this project, she said that this is the second consulate in India. New Delhi already has an Israeli Embassy, she added.

In response to a query, she said that those who have problems getting a visa to Israel can apply for a second passport. The visa can then be obtained from the passport centre in around 7 days, she said.

She also stated that Indo-Israeli relations, especially in trade, have improved considerably after the establishment of the consulate in 1992. Stating that Israel occupies the first place in water solutions, she said that the country recycles most of its water. Since water will soon become scarce all over the world, each Isareli child is taught about water conservation, she added.

She also said that Israel has plenty of opportunities for Indian MNCs, adding that TCS and Infosys have already carved a niche for themselves in Israel. She said that Israel is a centre for innovation and technological excellence and that SMEs have plenty of opportunities in Israel. Besides, there are opportunities for telecom, IT, and bio-technology sectors, she added.

Speaking about the opportunities in Israel’s tourism sector, she said that around 40,000 Israeli tourists visit India and the country has developed a bio-lateral relationship with the state’s horticulture department, owing to which technology exchange centres will be launched in Bagalkot, Kolar, and Belgaum.