In a bid to strengthen bilateral relations and explore new avenues of cooperation, Naor Gilon, the Israeli Ambassador for India and Sri Lanka, has been diligently working to foster closer ties between the two nations. With a keen focus on technology, agriculture, and sustainability, Gilon envisions a fruitful partnership that capitalizes on shared interests and potential collaborations. In an interview with Echelon, he sheds light on the progress made and the prospects of Israeli-Sri Lankan cooperation.
Over the past three decades, Israeli-Sri Lankan relations have witnessed steady improvement. Israel has emerged as a global leader in high-tech innovation, boasting over 7,000 startups across various sectors. This presents an exciting opportunity for collaboration with Sri Lanka, whose economy has experienced consistent growth. Recognizing the potential for mutual benefits, Gilon has been instrumental in nurturing this partnership.
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Acknowledging the disparities in economic orientations, Gilon emphasizes the importance of finding common ground between Israel and Sri Lanka. Israel’s high-tech economy, which accounts for more than 50% of its exports, complements Sri Lanka’s diverse economic landscape. Gilon underscores the impressive number of unicorn exits in Israel, a testament to the nation’s thriving startup ecosystem.
While Israel traditionally maintains strong economic ties with the United States and Europe, Gilon believes there is untapped potential for greater economic cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka. Tourism has emerged as a significant area of mutual interest, with a rising number of Israeli tourists visiting Sri Lanka annually, despite the absence of direct flights. By exploring this avenue, both countries can tap into the potential of tourism and hospitality for economic growth.
Gilon recognizes the agricultural sector as a promising domain for collaboration. Sri Lankan students have attended short agricultural courses in Israel in the past, and ongoing efforts are underway to revitalize an Israeli agricultural farm in Sri Lanka. These initiatives aim to transfer agricultural expertise and knowledge, boost the local agricultural sector, and enable Sri Lankan farmers to adopt advanced Israeli agricultural practices. Additionally, the Ambassador highlights the significant contribution of Sri Lankan caregivers working in Israel, fostering trade and cultural exchange, and strengthening ties between the two nations. This exchange of knowledge and experiences serves as a foundation for further collaboration in the education and caregiving sectors.
ISRAEL’S TECH ADVANCEMENTS: LESSONS FOR SRI LANKA
Israel’s successful transition from an agricultural-based economy to a technology-driven one offers valuable insights for countries like Sri Lanka undergoing similar transformations. Gilon attributes this shift to a cultural inclination towards innovation and a historical drive for self-sufficiency. Furthermore, Israel’s defence needs have played a pivotal role in technological advancements, particularly in military applications such as drone technology and cybersecurity. The Ambassador also highlights the significant contributions of highly skilled Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union, who brought their expertise in various fields, leading to remarkable technological breakthroughs. Recognizing their potential, the Israeli government has supported their innovations through dedicated programs, further propelling technological advancements.
Sustainability and the green economy have become increasingly important for Israel, highlighting its commitment to utilizing renewable resources. Israel’s early adoption of solar panels for water heating in the 1950s and its expertise in water treatment and desalination have positioned the country as a global leader in efficient water management. These practices, coupled with a focus on agriculture, have significantly contributed to Israel’s sustainable development. Gilon emphasizes that Israel’s commitment to sustainability is driven by both ideological motives and financial investments. As some individuals genuinely strive to make the world a better place, significant global investments are being made in sustainable technologies. Israel’s position in these emerging sectors has been bolstered by its ability to recognize global trends and meet the demand for innovative solutions.
A SHINING EXAMPLE OF ISRAELI – SRI LANKAN COLLABORATION
Persistent private sector efforts to deepen Israeli-Sri Lankan cooperation have set the stage for promising bilateral collaborations in technology, agriculture, and sustainability. Both nations share a common objective of economic growth and possess complementary strengths that can be leveraged for mutual benefit. Through ongoing dialogue, exchange of expertise, and the development of partnerships, Israel and Sri Lanka poise to embark on a new chapter of collaboration, embracing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
A shining example of cross-border collaboration is an Israeli tech company that undertook a groundbreaking initiative in Sri Lanka more than a decade ago. By out sourcing its AI training operations, the company today provides employment opportunities for 4,500 individuals from mostly rural areas. This remarkable partnership not only bridges the gap between low-tech and high-tech sectors but also addresses social and educational disparities within Sri Lankan society, Gilon points out.
The initiative offers employment prospects for individuals who have completed their education but may not have pursued higher studies. With competitive salaries, it uplifts a specific segment of society, enabling them to earn a substantial income. While these workers are not directly involved in programming, their role is vital in enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of artificial intelligence systems.
Moreover, the initiative tackles Sri Lanka’s challenge of limited university access by offering an alternative career path in the technology sector, helping individuals to pursue further opportunities in this field, providing insights into the industry and identifying prospects for higher-income positions.
Recognizing the potential for further development, the Israeli tech company is actively exploring additional avenues of cooperation. One notable initiative involves establishing an Israeli agriculture technology centre of excellence in Sri Lanka. Through the transfer of agricultural expertise and know-how, the aim is to boost the local agricultural sector and enable farmers to adopt advanced Israeli agricultural practices. This collaboration could lead to increased trade opportunities, even though current market dynamics suggest that Sri Lankan buyers would acquire agricultural products from Indian companies already operating in the region.
Efforts are also underway to streamline the outsourcing process, ensuring direct engagement between the Israeli tech company and the Sri Lankan workforce. By bypassing intermediaries, the goal is to enhance the overall efficiency and fairness of the program, ensuring that workers directly benefit from this collaboration.
“While some aspects of the collaboration remain confidential, particularly those related to defence projects, the ongoing partnership between Israel and Sri Lanka demonstrates the potential for fruitful cooperation in various fields. With a shared commitment to social progress, economic growth, and technological advancement, this collaboration continues to open doors for future endeavours that can profoundly benefit both societies,” Gilon avers.
Gilon is confident that with dedicated efforts, Israeli-Sri Lankan relations could witness significant progress across various domains. The exploration of technology, agriculture, and sustainability as key areas of collaboration hold immense potential for both nations. Israel’s expertise in high-tech innovation, sustainable practices, and agricultural advancements can serve as valuable resources for Sri Lanka’s growth and development. Through ongoing dialogue, exchange of expertise, and the establishment of partnerships, Israel and Sri Lanka are poised to embark on a new chapter of collaboration to discover mutually beneficial opportunities that lie ahead.