Cairo, Egypt
Photo: AP
19 percent growth in export to Arab countries
Export to Arab countries reach USD 206 million in first nine months of 2006; growth stems mainly from export to Jordan, Egypt
In the first nine months of 2006, a growth of 19 percent in Israeli export to Arab countries has been registered, compared to the same period last year. Export stood at USD 206 million, said Yehiel Asia, director-general of the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.
The increase in export stems mainly from a growth in export to Jordan and Egypt. During the period in question, industrial export to Egypt grew by 32 percent and amounted to USD 92 million. The principle exports are textile, clothing and leather, chemicals and oil distillation by-products.
The growth in export to Egypt was influenced by the coming into effect of the QIZ agreements, which allow for tariff-free exporting from Egypt to the United States of products of traditional industries, subject to the acquisition of raw materials from Israel.
The Export Institute reported that in 2005, the number of Israeli exporters operating in Egypt grew by 100 percent, and currently stands at 257.
The industrial export to Jordan rose by 12.5 percent in the first nine months of the year, and totaled USD 96 million. The majority of exports are wood, furniture, printing paper, and textile. More than 1,300 Israeli exporters operate in Jordan nowadays, a 25 percent decrease in comparison to 2004.
The report further revealed that 27 Israeli exporters currently export to Iraq, mainly to the American army (telecommunication equipment and raw metals). Export to Iraq amounted to USD 2.6 million in the first nine months of 2006, a drop of 29 percent compared to the same period last year.
According to the report, export to Morocco decreased by 16 percent, totaling USD 8.4 million. Export to Tunisia dropped by 10 percent and totaled USD 1.5 million.
