Israeli companies seek UN business opportunities
Fifteen of local industry's top defense, technology companies attend UN seminar in New York in hope of increasing cooperation with international body
WASHINGTON – Fifteen of Israel's leading companies attended a three-day United Nations seminar in New York this week, meant to introduce their products to the organization's acquisition committees, in what may prove to be a business opportunity worth hundreds of millions of dollars.
The companies were invited to attend the event by the Israeli mission to the US, which teamed up with the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.
Among the companies attending Wednesday's meet were Eltel Technologistics, which manufactures Instrument Landing Systems; Gilat Network Systems, specializing in satellites; Nirosoft Industries, which designs and manufactures advanced water and wastewater treatment systems; and Magal Security Systems, as well as other companies specializing in security, communications, engineering and energy systems.
Their presentations include the latest developments in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle systems, airborne electronic, surveillance and intelligence systems, explosives detectors, energy conservation and forensic technologies and communication systems.
During the seminar, representatives of the Israeli companied were given a chance to meet with various UN trade officials representing the organization's main acquisition committee as well as its defense, security and peacekeeping forces divisions, UNICEF and the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF).
Israeli companies currently make up less than 1% of the United Nations' acquisitions roster. The seminar will also see the UN present its demands in catering for its thousands of workers, stationed at 140 countries worldwide.
"This is a large consumer which has a tremendous business potential as far as Israeli technology companies are concerned," said Ilan Fluss, socioeconomic advisor to the Israeli mission in the UN. "This is another step by Israel to increase its part as a contributing country to the UN and all of its agencies."
