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Download (in PDF format) 'Israel-Canada in Comparison and Cooperation' A colourful informative overview of Israel, Canada and the strong bond between the two countries in a wide range of issues. IN ENGLISH Part I Part II EN FRANÇAIS Part I Part II CANADA-ISRAEL RELATIONS BILATERAL RELATIONS
Canada and Israel have a longstanding bilateral relationship, founded on our strong support for Israel since its creation in 1948. It is a multi-dimensional relationship marked by close political, economic, social and cultural ties.
Canada and Israel have a number of bilateral agreements in place. A 1999 Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty has added to already strong judicial ties. There is a strong relationship between the Canadian and Israeli legal communities, including regular visits by jurists and judges, as well as frequent use of Canadian legal precedents in Israeli court decisions. Canada and Israel have an active programme of professional and academic exchanges with many Canadian artists visiting Israel. A cultural and education MOU was signed in 1999.
CANADA-ISRAEL COMMERCIAL RELATIONS
On January 1, 1997, the Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement (CIFTA) came into effect, removing tariffs from most manufactured goods. Bilateral trade more than doubled from $567 million in 1997 to $1, 24 million in 2005. With its high standard of living and continued economic growth, Israel represents a sophisticated and expanding market, which offers many opportunities for Canadian companies.
Canada's top exports to Israel are machinery, aircraft, electrical machinery, paper, and optical equipment. Our top imports from Israel are electrical machinery, precious stones, machinery, pharmaceuticals, and optical equipment. Our priority sectors for trade development are aerospace, information, communications and technology, biotechnology, environment, agriculture and agri-food, construction, infrastructure, and wood/paper products. Please visit the web site of the trade section located in the Canadian Embassy in Israel. The Canada-Israel Industrial Research and Development Foundation (CIIRDF) is a binational organization which promotes collaborative research and development projects and the commercialization of innovative technology. CIIRDF has developed close linkages between a large number of technology based firms in Canada and Israel, between government-supported research institutes in both countries and also within the academic research communities. Please visit the CIIRDF web site for more information." Export Development Canada (EDC) is open for insurance and financing in Israel. It is not considered a developing market but a highly commercial market in terms of local and foreign banks lending at competitive margins. Israel is rated as Investment Grade by three international rating agencies. EDC has lines of credit with three Israeli banks: United Mizrahi, Leumi and Hapoalim (these facilities are not presently utilized, but facilitate good relationships - particularly where third-country cooperation is an issue). For further information, please visit the EDC web site. view source | 
