Vaughan Delegation Heads to Israel to Explore Cleantech and Innovation
The City of Vaughan is sending a three person delegation to Israel as part of an exploratory business mission July 2 to July 9. The mission coincides with the CleanTech 2012 Exhibition in Tel Aviv.
“As a growing city, we must project the strengths and potential of our community to an international audience,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “It is vital that we maintain a competitive advantage in today’s global economy and this requires innovation and forward thinking. This business mission to Israel will allow us to see first-hand the advances being made in the areas of sustainable water, energy and environmental technologies.”
The delegation will consist of Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella, Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman and the Director of Economic Development, Tim Simmonds. The week-long mission will include time at the CleanTech 2012 Exhibition in Tel Aviv, where the delegation has pre-arranged business meetings with a number of Israeli Clean Technology firms.
The delegation has also secured meetings with the Director of Technological Incubators Program, Office of the Chief Scientist, MATIMOP and the Executive Director, Strategic Initiatives, Head of the Americas Operations. During the week, the delegation will travel to the cities of Eilat/Eilot, in the southern region of Israel, which is now considered the ‘Silicon Valley’ of renewable energy. The delegation is also meeting with Paul Hunt, Canada’s Ambassador to Israel, as well as Mayor Yoel Lavi of Ramla, Vaughan’s Friendship City since 1993.
“The City of Vaughan’s Economic Development Strategy encourages international business development to help achieve a more prosperous future for our residents and businesses,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “The primary goal is to position Vaughan as the gateway for economic activity in the Greater Toronto area and the second goal is to enable entrepreneurial activity. As such, Israel is a country that presents a number of opportunities for the City."
Israel boasts the highest density of start-up companies in the world and its broader economy has grown faster than the average of the world’s developed countries. CleanTech 2012 in Tel Aviv is now considered the preeminent event for the clean technology industry.