PM Netanyahu: "We will work to create a better business climate for Israeli
industry."
(Communicated by the Prime Minister's Media Adviser)

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 31 August 2015), ordered
the establishment of a professional team composed of the director generals
of the Prime Minister's Office, the Finance Ministry and the Economy
Ministry, as well as the President of the Manufacturers Association, in
order to examine and improve the manufacturing climate in Israel.

Ata special meeting convened by Prime Minister Netanyahu, along with Economy
Minister Aryeh Deri, Manufacturers Association President Shraga Brosh and
senior industrialists from all sectors, the main impediments, which have led
to a sharp decline in the establishment of new factories in Israel as well
as the increase in the number of Israeli factories producing outside of
Israel, were presented.

Manufacturers Association President Brosh presented the cost of
manufacturing in Israel, regulatory impediments and the shortage of
technical and professional workers. The influence of the decline in
manufacturing and imports on growth was discussed. The industrialists
expressed concerns over the influence of government policy on encouraging
imports and the hostile atmosphere for Israeli industry.

Prime Minister Netanyahu ordered the establishment of the aforesaid team in
order to lead a policy of improving the business climate in Israel. Economy
Minister Deri announced the allocation of NIS 40 million for professional
training, in cooperation with the Manufacturers Association, to be run by
the Employment Service.

Prime Minister Netanyahu: "Israeli industry is one of the Israeli economy's
most significant growth engines. I have defined a clear goal: To increase
growth in order to strengthen the Israeli economy. We will encourage growth.
We will strengthen and assist industrialists in order to boost the Israeli
economy and benefit Israeli citizens."

Economy Minister Deri: "The Israeli economy is currently in need of
assistance so that it will be able to create jobs and this is what we are
doing."

Manufacturers Association President Brosh: "The main problem of Israeli
industry is the atmosphere that affects decision-making. We are determined
to create a better business climate in order to encourage new and
competitive industries and strengthen existing industries – inter alia – by
reducing manufacturing costs, having the most favorable tax rates in the
world and significantly increasing the supply of technical workers."