NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 27, 2010

Contact:
Anna Richter Taylor, 503-378-6169

Jodi Sherwood, 503-378-6496

Governor Kulongoski Signs Business Development Agreement with Israel

Memorandum of Cooperation focuses on private sector industrial research and development

Jerusalem– Today Governor Ted Kulongoski was joined by the Israel Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation with the nation of Israel to develop and strengthen economic, industrial, technological and commercial cooperation between the State of Oregon and the government of Israel. 

The goal of the agreement is to undertake a sustained effort to promote, facilitate and support joint industrial research and development (R&D) projects between businesses from the two countries.

“Oregon and Israel have much in common in the areas of high technology and clean technology, renewable energy and transportation electrification,” Governor Kulongoski said. “There is mutual interest in making progress in the fields of clean technology, and research and development, and I believe by cooperating in this effort, we can enhance our competitiveness in these areas to create jobs and new economic opportunities for our citizens.”

The objectives of the agreement include:

• To promote the activities of Oregon and Israel private sectors to strengthen industrial R&D cooperation;
  

• To identify specific projects, partnerships or collaborations between private businesses from the State of Oregon and from the State of Israel that could lead to industrial R&D cooperation;

• To coordinate and focus suitable government resources and programs to support industrial cooperation and commercial exploitation of R&D projects results;
  

• To establish a framework for financial support under which the Parties shall support jointly approved Industrial R&D cooperation projects between Entities from the two countries leading to commercialization in the global market.

The cooperating authorities of the agreement include the office of the Governor of the State of Oregon and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor of the State of Israel shall be in charge of the implementation of this Agreement and shall designate Cooperating Authorities for the purpose of implementing this Agreement.  Each party, in this agreement, also commits itself to fair and equitable treatment of individuals, government agencies, and other entities in carrying out the activities and objectives of this agreement.

“Oregon remains on the cutting edge of new technologies, whether it’s renewable energy, sustainable agriculture or electric vehicles,” the Governor said. “We have knowledge, expertise and vision – and a partnership like this one opens new doors to private investment and partnerships that will be critical to our long-term economic recovery and stability”

To read the full Memorandum of Cooperation, click here.