"Israel's GDP per capita of about $30,000 is similar to Portugal or Greece. Israel can fit in with the level of the economies of Europe, even if it would not be among the leaders," said Governor of the Bank of Israel Prof. Stanley Fischer at the European Friends of IsraelEuropean Friends of Israel (EFI) 2nd Policy Conference in Jerusalem. "Globes" is a media partner of the event.
Fischer said, "We overcame the economic crisis in good shape compared with other countries, with only two quarters of contraction. We were able to lower the unemployment rate after a temporary jump. We expect growth in 2011 to be about the same as in 2010, or maybe a bit less. Inflation is rising because of the rise of prices for commodities, and we also have a problem in home prices."
Euro-Asian Jewish Congress president Dr. Alexander Mashkevich said, "The fact that Members of the European Parliament come to Israel and see that Israeli and European values are the same in their striving for democracy, their striving for peace, in growing economies, social responsibility, and equal rights, is the best public relations that Israel can achieve in this era of diplomatic isolation.
"I am pleased that Israel's citizens are able to show their striving for peace to the MEPs. Bringing 500 MEPs to a conference of support in Jerusalem is one of the most important achievements of Israeli diplomacy in our times, and is the response to the attempts delegitimize Israel."
380 MEPs will visit the Knesset tomorrow. MEPs will participate in several committee meetings, including discussions on Iran's nuclear program, the peace process with the Palestinians and terrorism emanating from the Gaza Strip, the financing of terrorism and the prevention of call for boycotts of Israel, scientific cooperation, the employment of women in the workforce, and a session by the Special Committee on Foreign Workers on infiltration as a demographic threat to Israel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 6, 2011
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