There are moments in relations between nations when diplomacy alone is not enough. Moments when exchanging statements or relying on historic friendships is no longer sufficient. These are the moments when we must build new bridges, strengthen mutual trust, and rediscover our shared interests.
I believe that one of the strongest and most enduring bridges between nations is the economic bridge. More importantly, I believe that even in challenging times, economic cooperation can be a source of hope. This is precisely the challenge, and in my view, the great opportunity, facing Israel and Australia today.
Australia and Israel
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The relationship between our two countries did not begin yesterday. It is rooted in shared history, democratic values, and deep human connections. Australian soldiers fought in the region of the Land of Israel during both World Wars, and Australia was among the countries that supported the United Nations Partition Plan on November 29, 1947. Over the decades, our nations have developed a relationship built on friendship, cooperation, and mutual respect.
But even the deepest historical relationships cannot survive on memories alone. They need new substance, shared interests, and people willing to invest in their future.
In recent years, against the backdrop of events in the Middle East and growing international tensions, relations between Israel and Australia have faced challenges. At such a time, we must not focus solely on our differences. We must create opportunities and strengthen cooperation in an area where both countries have so much to offer one another: the economy.
Australia is far more than a distant export market. It is a natural partner for innovation, growth, and shared prosperity.
With a population of approximately 27 million people, a GDP of around $1.84 trillion, substantial investment capacity, and strong economic ties across Asia and the Pacific, Australia represents an important opportunity for Israeli businesses.
The figures tell a compelling story. According to the Israel Export Institute, Israeli exports to Australia reached approximately $1.68 billion in 2025, compared with $1.21 billion in 2020. This represents significant growth, yet I believe these figures are only the beginning. The potential is far greater.
Israel brings to the table creativity, entrepreneurship, world-class research and development, and a remarkable ability to turn complex challenges into groundbreaking solutions. From cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to digital health, biotechnology, water technologies, advanced agriculture, and energy, Israeli innovation has much to offer.
Australia brings complementary strengths: a powerful economy, vast natural resources, advanced infrastructure, investment capital, industrial capabilities, and access to major markets throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Combining Israeli innovation with Australia’s economic strength creates a genuine win-win opportunity.
Israel can help Australia address future challenges through technology and expertise, while Australia can provide Israeli companies with opportunities to grow, scale their solutions, and expand into new markets.
This is a partnership in which both sides can benefit, both economies can grow stronger, and both peoples can share in the prosperity. Every new business deal, investment, or joint venture creates not only economic value, but also trust, personal connections, and common interests.
There is another essential partner in this relationship: Australia’s Jewish community.
The Australian Jewish community is one of the most significant Jewish communities in the world. For generations, it has made important contributions to Australian society while serving as a vital human connection between our two countries.
The horrific terrorist attack that struck the Jewish community reminded us, in the most painful way, just how deep our shared identity runs and how our sense of mutual responsibility transcends geographical borders.
Yet even from such pain, hope must emerge. Hope that we can transform our shared identity and solidarity into positive action, stronger relationships, and a better common future.
To me, the Jewish community is not only a bridge of identity and memory. It is also a bridge of entrepreneurship, leadership, business, and partnership. It can play an important role in the broader effort to connect people, institutions, and economies.
It is with this vision in mind that I intend to lead a special delegation to Australia, serving as an economic task force dedicated to addressing precisely these challenges and opportunities.
Our mission will be to forge connections, identify opportunities, showcase the strengths and capabilities of the Israeli economy, while also learning from and gaining exposure to Australia’s strengths, needs, and opportunities. Above all, our goal will be to build new economic bridges between Israel and Australia.
I see this initiative as much more than a business visit. It is an effort to strengthen relations between our countries through a shared language of action, innovation, and growth.
We should come to Australia not only to demonstrate what Israel has to offer, but also to listen, learn, and discover where the strengths of our two nations can complement one another.
The economy has a unique advantage: it enables people from different countries to sit around the same table, even when they do not agree on every political issue. It connects needs with solutions, interests with opportunities, and ideas with tangible results.
Economic cooperation alone cannot resolve political disagreements, nor can it replace diplomacy. But it can preserve channels of dialogue, broaden the foundations of bilateral relations, and create powerful incentives for continued cooperation.
Avi Balashnikov Photo: Israel Export InstituteI strongly believe in the strength of the Israeli economy and its ability to serve not only as an engine of growth, but also as a means of building bridges between peoples. In a world facing global challenges, cooperation between nations is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
Australia may be thousands of miles away from Israel, but geographical distance does not have to mean distance between peoples. Technology brings us closer, trade creates common interests, and human relationships give those connections depth and meaning.
Our mission is to ensure that relations between Israel and Australia are defined not only by the crises of today, but also by the possibilities of tomorrow.
I envision a future in which Israel and Australia do more than trade with one another. A future in which we create together, innovate together, and succeed together. A future in which economic cooperation brings prosperity to both countries, both economies, and, most importantly, both peoples.
That is the hope I intend to bring with me to Australia. A hope that can be translated into action, partnerships, and opportunities.
Because bridges between nations are not built through agreements and declarations alone. They are built by people who believe in a shared future and are willing to work together to make it a reality.
- The author is Chairman of the Israel Export Institute.