Israel’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Daniel Carmon spoke today at the Annual Meet of Entrepreneurs and Innovators by ASSOCHAM.

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Israel’s Ambassador to India, Mr. Daniel Carmon spoke today at the Annual Meet of Entrepreneurs and Innovators by ASSOCHAM. Excerpts from his speech

^{NEW DELHI, (GNI):}  Ambassador Daniel Carmon began his speech by congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government on the initiative of ‘Startup India, Standup India’: “I express Israel’s enthusiasm in the face of this important endeavour. Startups can grow almost anywhere. But in order to really cultivate them, an ecosystem has to be in place. The latest initiative announced by PM Modi on Saturday is doing exactly that. It provides the needed conditions to evolve and develop. Israel applauds this initiative and would be happy to share its experience in developing suitable ecosystems, comprehensive mechanisms that will encourage unique and sustainable economic growth in India. Startups are an engine of growth. They have the potential to create jobs for a growing number of people and open the door for new segments of economic activity. Let me mention in this context the growing e-commerce industry in India that has evolved very rapidly, creating giants like Snapdeal, Flipkart and others, making shopping for many of us easier and more accessible. ”

On the Israeli Innovation ecosystem, Ambassador added, “In Israel there are over 5000 start-ups and still growing. Israel holds the highest number of startups per capita and has a strong viable venture capital industry. It enjoys as the highest rate of Governmental investment in R&D (almost 4% of GDP). It has developed a unique alliance between Society, Government, Industry, Academia, Technology Transfer Companies, Innovators, Inventors, Private Sector, Human Capital and Venture Capital. The start up ecosystem is ready to take risks, to accept failure, to be curious, to argue, to challenge.”

Next week will also mark 24 years of full diplomatic relations between India and Israel. During his speech, Ambassador acknowledged the successful visit of External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj to Israel. “She was warmly received by the Israeli people and leadership, first and foremost by President Rivlin & Prime Minister Netanyahu. This visit, only three months after the historic visit by President Pranab Mukherjee to my country, is yet another solid proof for close relations, friendship and partnership. With the announcement of the ‘Start Up India’ initiative, we have another opportunity to expand our cooperation.”

On the growing India Israel relations, Ambassador Carmon said, “India and Israel are partners. We share values, challenges and interests. India and Israel, two ancient people, proud of their respective traditions, but hungry, eager to grasp the future.  We should be doing it together. The desire to work together is huge and I believe after the launching of the PM initiative of ‘Start Up India, Stand Up India’ following the Minister’s visit, and awaiting many more, that we will see even more collaboration between Delhi and Jerusalem, Mumbai and Tel Aviv, Bangalore and Beer Sheva.”