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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | BUREAU OF INDUSTRY AND SECURITY |
| Thursday, September 6, 2007 |
Office of Public Affairs |
| www.bis.doc.gov | 202-482-2721 |
United States and Israel Agree on Formation of U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum
WASHINGTON - The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) today announced that the United States and Israel have agreed to launch the U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum (HTF), an Under Secretary-level bilateral dialogue to facilitate and enhance secure high technology trade and investment between both countries.
"Israel is a dynamic technology market and a strategic partner of the United States," said Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, Mario Mancuso. "The High Technology Forum will accelerate, elevate and institutionalize a senior-level dialogue to address bilateral high technology trade, investment, and related security issues within the context of our larger strategic relationship."
The U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum was proposed by Under Secretary Mancuso to senior Israeli government officials at the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor during a recent trip to Israel.
In proposing the U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum, Under Secretary Mancuso noted Israel’s commendable progress in implementing a comprehensive export control regime and pledged his "full support to the Government of Israel in implementing and enforcing its export control laws."
The U.S.-Israel High Technology Forum is part of a larger effort by the Bureau of Industry and Security to accelerate U.S. engagement with the most dynamic technology markets in the world.
Under Secretary Mancuso traveled to Israel on August 27-30, 2007, and visited Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. In addition to meeting with senior Israeli government officials to discuss the formation of the HTF and related secure trade issues, he also met with Israeli business leaders, visited technology innovation hubs, and participated in public and private sector site visits.