Israel and Myanmar have a long lasting bilateral cooperation in various areas. Daniel Zohar Zonshine, Ambassador of Israel to Myanmar, discusses recent initiatives and activities designed to deepen the connection between the countries and help boost the economic growth in Myanmar.
European Times: What is the current state of bilateral economic relations between Israel and Myanmar?
Daniel Zohar Zonshine: Israel has long-term relations with Myanmar. Agriculture is the main area for collaboration, but we also cooperate in the area of telecommunications and water systems. The Embassy is actively working on creating economic ties, catalyzing business partnerships and publishing monthly newsletters to inform potential investors in Israel about current conditions in Myanmar. The economic cooperation also includes strong collaboration in the defence sector, which provides Myanmar with a reliable source of technology and know-how.
European Times: What are your initiatives concerning agriculture as a baseline of the economy?
Daniel Zohar Zonshine: Israel is a relevant partner in the field of agriculture, not by large investments, but as a know-how carrier of new approaches, procedures and technologies which can be applied in cost effective ways. In this area we collaborate with both the public and private sectors. Concerning the public sector, I want to put an emphasis on a program that exists for more than 20 years and allows students of agriculture from Myanmar to study and work in Israel, in order to receive valuable experience and get familiar with new technologies and with the Israeli farmer’s mind-set. At the moment there are 200 Myanmar students in Israel and over the years there were more than 2.000 students learning relevant skills and implementing them for the benefit of their country. In the private sector the companies are working on irrigation, waters management, water treatment, seeds, fertilizers, dairy farming and know-how, with an idea not only to sell products but also to provide solutions. Additionally, the Embassy is active in organizing visits to agriculture and water exhibitions and provides experts for training and capacity building.
European Times: What are your future goals as an Ambassador to Myanmar?
Daniel Zohar Zonshine: The main goal of the Embassy is to develop good relations and encourage trade between Myanmar and Israel, not only of agricultural products, but also agriculture inputs, medical equipment, water technologies and ICT. I personally believe that the Israeli know-how is unique in certain areas and my plan is to share these ideas with Myanmar in a way that will be beneficial to both sides. Taking in consideration that there is a new government with possibly different directions and priorities, our goal is to further develop government to government relations and to focus on fields where we can be more relevant, such as capacity building and professional training.
