India’s Minister of Urban Planning Kamal Nath just completed a visit to Israel (February 12-14) during which an agreement was signed between the two nations aimed at fostering cooperation, with a focus on urban water.
Oded Distel, Head of Israel NewTech, the Israeli government program dedicated to supporting Israel’s water and renewable energy industries, reflected on the significance of the agreement, “In India there is a great need for extensive solutions in a variety of fields – from desalination to wastewater treatment, from water efficiency to water creation. Israel’s innovative water industry is able to offer solutions to many of these needs. The agreement that was signed will open the door for more in depth cooperation, including joint pilot projects and more.”
India is undergoing a dramatic urbanization process, which both increases dramatically the need for water solutions, and also means there are more resources available to bring in much needed solutions to India’s vast water needs. The Indian Minister’s visit included a presentation he gave at a seminar, on “India’s Urbanization and Infrastructure Challenges and Opportunities”, which was jointly organized by the Embassy of India in Israel, the Israeli Export Institute and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor. In his presentation, Minister Nath outlined India’s vision in arenas including transportation, communication and more. But clearly water solutions and infrastructure are perhaps the most pressing needs of India’s growing cities. Minister Nath talked about the successful water projects Israeli companies already saw through in India, by companies including IDE (desalination), Amiad and Aqwise. However this is just the tip of the iceberg, as many more projects, and more extensive ones, are needed in order to meet India’s pressing needs. Clearly the business opportunity for Israeli companies is great.
Minister Nath’s visit comes at a time of ever strengthening cooperation between Israel and India. A free trade agreement is in the works, and this year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Minister Nath’s visit came at the invitation of Israel’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Labour, Shalom Simhon. The agreement was signed between Deputy Minister of Urban Planning D. Diptivilas and Boaz Hirsch, Deputy Director of Israel’s Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor.
Article appearing courtesy Israel NewTech.
