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The Manufacturers Association of Israel, marking its 85th anniversary at this time, was founded in 1921. Since then, the Association, its leaders and its members have become a driving force in the Israeli economy generally and in its industrial sector in particular.
Today, the Association acts on behalf of over 2,000 members, whom it represents both in Israel and abroad. These members come from all sectors of Israeli industry ? private, public, kibbutz, and governmental ? and all industrial branches: electronics, software, textiles and fashion, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, construction products, food, consumer products, metal, electricity and infrastructure.
The Association's multi-faceted activities have been intertwined in Israel's industrial development, which has come a long way from its beginnings in the manufacture of wooden crates for the export of citrus, to its present status as a modern industrial leader.
Despite the many obstacles faced by Israeli industry ? including the small size of its economy, an absence of natural resources, its exposure to global competition, and the geographic distances of its natural markets ? it was industry that systematically spurred the economy forward and raised Israel's standard of living over the years.
The development of Israeli industry over the decades was made possible by its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. One example is the growth of the defense industry in Israel as a result of the country's defense needs. In time, this industry provided the qualitative modern infrastructure for Israel's high-tech industry.
These developments involved a process of structural change from traditional to technologically based industries, resulting in the leading position of the various hi-tech branches in Israeli industry today. The blossoming of these branches, including the emergence of thousands of start-up companies, led directly to the growth of Israel's GNP, exports and domestic job market; influenced the economic activity of related branches; and helped intensify the economic openness of the market.
Over the years, change occurred not only in the nature of the country's products but in production aims. If in the mid-'90s some 29% of production was designated for export, with the passage of time export share has grown to approximately 40% of production today.
Israel's industrial capacity to respond vigorously to the changing demands of international markets and the liberalization of capital markets has contributed to its improved competitiveness in recent years vis-?-vis both competing imports in the domestic market and in world markets. Israeli industry had thus managed to leverage its competitive advantages, intensify its exports in established markets, and penetrate new markets.
Israeli industry today is strong and global, establishing and acquiring companies abroad, creating strategic joint ventures with international companies, and attracting foreign investors who are discovering the relative advantages of Israel: plentiful qualitative technological and human infrastructures of a high level.
Looking to the future, the Manufacturers Association anticipates ongoing vigorous efforts to benefit Israeli industry, Israel's industrialists, and the economy of the State of Israel.
The Manufacturers Association of Israel
