Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said at the "Globes" Business Conference today "Our economic situation is better than ever. This is the first year in the history of the state of Israel in which exports of goods and services, even excluding foreign aid, exceed imports by billions of dollars. We have more foreign currency reserves than ever. Inflation is near the lower end of our target range. Our budget deficit at the close of this year will be lower than that of most developed nations, and of course, despite the war in Lebanon, we will have, according to estimates, 4.5% growth in the economy."
Israel's biggest financial dream, of reaching a positive payment balance, has come true this year. In order to transform these achievements so that their results are shared with a larger portion of the population, more proactive utilization of the appropriate tools is required, and we are prepared to do so in the coming years, starting now. "
Olmert referred to the social situation and the problem of poverty, "We must change the welfare policy in Israel, and the means at our disposal. I have decided to handle two issues which do not provide solutions to the entire problem of poverty in Israel, but do provide a basis for effective treatment, the likes of which have never been seen here. We will implement the conclusions of the Schmidt Committee for Handling At-Risk Children, and we will allocate all of the resources required. I view the treatment of children from birth until the age of three as the basis for solving the issue of poverty in Israel and I will continue to personally accompany this project even once I have a full time Minister of Welfare."
Olmert also responded to criticism of his government, "I head a government which intends to go far also in social areas. There are no one shot solutions. I have no interest in entering arguments over what went on in the past. That is irrelevant. We have a current economic situation with extraordinary growth potential and amazing achievements, but these things are not visible at all levels of society."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on December 11, 2006
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