Microsoft chief Ballmer: We're committed to Israel

Steve Ballmer met the prime minister, and discussed information technology strategic cooperation with the finance minister.

5 November 12 11:10, Globes' correspondent

Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz today met Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer, who is on his fourth vivit to Israel. They discussed strategic cooperation to foster computing technology, on the understanding that technology is a means to boost Israel's economic growth, given the country's advantages in information technology.

The collaboration will be anchored in a renewed memorandum of understanding that will be signed in a few days between Government Chief Information Officer Carmela Avner and Microsoft Israel general manager Danny Yamin. The memorandum will set out the structure of the strategic cooperation and the mechanisms for exchanging information and know-how in various fields, as well as the development of joint infrastructures for encouraging investment in government information technology infrastructures.

Steinitz said, "Global companies should be encouraged to invest in Israeli technologies and to establish development centers in Israel. These investments generate mutual profits: the Israeli government benefits from global know-how and proximity to foreign target markets; and the global companies benefit from the human capital and relative advantage of Israel's high-tech industries."

Ballmer said, "Technology and innovation and incubation are the driving force behind Israel's dynamic industry. Microsoft is proud to operate in this environment, which fosters innovation and creates so many successful technology companies. We continue to be committed to our investments in Israel, and to our role in helping people and businesses realize their full potential."

Ballmer also had a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to discuss Microsoft's commitment to Israel and its investments in the local market. Netanyahu said after the meeting, "The combination of the State of Israel and Microsoft is natural since the Israeli high-tech industry is among the world's leaders. Microsoft was wise enough to see its potential many years ago and to benefit from the quality personnel in Israel. Our investment in high-tech industries and in training people for high-tech will continue to succeed and bear fruit. I believe that cooperation between the State of Israel and Microsoft will continue for many years."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 5, 2012

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