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By Sherwin Pomerantz The basic economic statistics for 2012 are now beginning to surface and it is clear that economically, in spite of the world’s financial doldrums, Israel did pretty well. From 2009-2012 Israel experienced economic growth of 14.7%, well ahead of most OECD countries (e.g. US – 3.2%, Germany – 2.7%, Australia – 10.7%, Canada – 4.8%) and much better than the general decline in economic growth in Europe of 1.5%. Israel might have had even better results if not for the continued sabotaging of the natural gas line from Egypt which caused the country to replace that source of energy by purchasing fuel from more expensive suppliers. There is, of course, no telling ultimately what will happen with that situation, as much depends on how the political situation in Egypt evolves. In 2012, Israel demonstrated economic growth of 3.3%, which was more than double the OECD average of 1.4%. The only two major economies of the world that did better than Israel were India, w

Ex-Im Approves $15.7 Million Direct Loan to Finance Export of American-made Fire Trucks to Nigeria Washington, D.C. – The board of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) has authorized a $15.7 million direct loan to the state government of Lagos, Nigeria, to underwrite the purchase of 32 American fire-fighting vehicles manufactured by W.S. Darley & Co. (Darley) of Itasca, Ill. The loan, which is in line with the Administration’s “Doing Business in Africa Campaign,” will support approximately 100 U.S. jobs, according to bank estimates derived from Departments of Commerce and Labor data and methodology. Moreover, 65 percent of the financing is expected to support American small businesses. “This transaction reflects our continued commitment to increasing exports to sub-Saharan Africa while supporting American small-business jobs,” said Ex-Im Bank Chairman and President Fred P. Hochberg. “Additionally, the financing, which targets one of our

The Nigerian Minister for Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is renown nationally for his passion for the development of the agricultural sector of the country. I recall an experience at the BRACED summit held in Asaba, Delta State where he would not yield to the ten minutes assigned to him by the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Ms Evelyn Oputu to make his presentation. He was widely applauded. I was present at the summit as an investment attraction consultant Like the ebullient Minister for Agriculture, we believe that agriculture should move from its present level of subsistence to a level where modern techniques and technologies are employed in its practice, particularly in an environment as ours where agriculture is the major occupation of the people. As a matter of fact, engaging the youths, especially the educated and fresh graduates would drastically reduce the level of unemployment currently faced in the country. In 2013 therefore, we have p

ISRAEL : THE REAL DESTINATION TO EXPLORE IN 2013 Eilat-Stress Relief Dead Sea-A ge Renew Jerusalem-Spiritual Rebirth In collaboration with Sunway Tours, Israeli tour operators of over thirty years standing in the industry, we propose the following trips for 2013. To qualify, join/form a group of 10 persons travelling together. February- Rev up your relationship, honeymoons and wedding anniversaries at the Dead Sea, Eilat and Jerusalem April- Retreat to Jerusalem for spiritual rebirth and re-dedication June- Summer getaway especially to the fun-filled city of Eilat on the Red Sea August- Escape to the Dead Sea, on the footsteps of Cleopatra to the world’s only natural Spa for skin rejuvenation, or to get rid of rheumatism, arthritis etc. October- Celebration of life: wine, dine and dance, play with the Dolphins, relax on the beaches, explore underwater corals etc in Eilat December- The month of Christmas in Jerusalem! The time to renew your vows!