The mission's goal was to learn about Israel's state-of-the-art industrial and technological developments, and to enhance mutually beneficial business cooperation between Hong Kong and Israel.

Netanel Liram, director general of the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, welcomed delegates and said he was delighted to help members of the Jerusalem Chamber and the Hong Kong General Chamber explore business opportunities, particularly in high-tech industries.

The delegation also met Israeli Ministry of Trade & Industry Deputy Director General Zobar Perry, and Arie Lev, director of its Asia Department, and discussed how the ministry could facilitate bilateral trade by providing business-matching services for Israeli and Hong Kong companies.

Amos Cohen, head of the Information Centre at the Israeli Export Institute, gave a general overview of Israel's role as a leading technology hub and a business gateway to Europe. Other topics discussed included development of e-commerce, high-tech biotechnology, agro-technology and a brief outlook of the Israeli economy.

During a luncheon with board members of the Federation of the Israeli Chambers of Commerce, Dan Gillerman, president of the federation, expressed interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong General Chamber.

Delegates also met Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce (IACC) President Baruch Gross, who expressed interest in targeting Hong Kong as one of their key strategic partners to strengthen their business links and markets in Asia.

Delegates also visited several high-tech industrial, scientific and technological R&D institutions and incubators in Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv and Haifa to witness for themselves the state-of-the-art IT technologies and telecommunications/shipping developments in Israel.