Itzhak Nissan, Israel Aerospace Industries' President & CEO: "The Israeli Defense Industry is One of the Engines that Push Israel's Growth and Hi-Tech Industry"
Sep 15, 2008
"In 2007, the total sales of the Israeli Defense Industries reached $8 billion, of which 75 percent were for export. The Israeli Defense Industry is one of the engines that push Israel's growth and Hi-Tech industry. Our industry plays a significant role in exporting and developing the local economy," said yesterday (September 14, 2008) Itzhak Nissan, IAI's President & CEO, in an inauguration ceremony of the Israeli Defense Industries Exhibition marking Israel's 60th anniversary. The President of the State of Israel – Shimon Peres, the Prime Minister – Ehud Olmert, the Defense Minister – Ehud Barak, the Tourism Minister responsible for the events celebrating Israel’s 60th Anniversary - Ruhama Avraham-Balila, the Mayor of Rishon Le’Zion - Meir Nitzan, the Chief of the General Staff - Lt.-Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Director General of the Prime Minister’s Office - Raanan Dinur, Director General of the Ministry of Defense - Pinhas Buchris, Heads of the Defense Industries, IDF Officers and guests attended the ceremony.
IAI's President & CEO further said that: "The Israeli defense industries directly employ 40,000 employees. Overall, the livelihood of some 100,000 households depend directly on our success. The many thousands of engineers and researchers employed by these industries are the heart of our technological excellence. Nevertheless, the apparent shortage of engineers and researchers in Israel, the growing shortage in graduates of technological degrees in universities and the competition with Hi-Tech and other electronic industries, will pose a tough challenge for the ability of the defense industry to grow at the required pace.
Another basic condition for the continuation of our success in international markets is further developing new technologies and providing unique solutions to the IDF. The Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) is not only a customer, but an active and vital partner in our international success."
Mr. Nissan also said that a constant review of the Government of Israel's export policy is needed to allow for the further growth of the Israeli industries in world markets.
"The Israeli defense industries will continue to develop, to ensure for the IDF's superiority and to increase the technological advantage needed to win," he concluded.
IAI's President & CEO, Itzhak Nissan hosted Mr. Al Schwimmer, founder and first President & CEO of IAI (1953-1977), at the exhibition. Mr. Schwimmer came to Israel in the beginning of the 50s to set up an aircraft maintenance and overhaul plant which was named "Bedek". The plant later grew and evolved into Israel Aerospace Industries. Mr. Schwimmer retired in 1977. In 2006 he received the Israel Prize for Life Achievement and for his contribution to the Israeli society.
The President of the State of Israel, Mr. Shimon Peres visited IAI's pavilion and received explanations regarding the company's products and systems.
For further information, please contact:
Doron Suslik
Deputy Corporate Vice President for Communications
Tel: 972 (3) 935-8509
Fax: 972 (3) 935-8512
Email: hpaz@iai.co.il
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