Israel Seeks to Strengthen Economic and Innovation Ties with Cebu

Israel views significant opportunities to enhance collaboration with Cebu across economic, tourism, and innovation sectors, according to Israel's Ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, during her visit to the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on November 20, 2025.

Having been in the Philippines for just over three months, Kursh selected Cebu for her initial business trip outside Manila, recognizing the city's vital role in the national economy. She remarked, "Cebu is a crucial part of the economy of this amazing nation. After an hour and a half of discussions with the chamber, I am even more certain that investing in the paradise of Cebu is a must."

During the meeting, CCCI President Jay Yuvallos introduced the chamber's L.E.A.D Agenda, with the engagement facilitated by Cebu's Honorary Consul of Israel, Emily Benedicto-Chioson. Kursh outlined Israel's intention to develop enduring, mutually advantageous partnerships, identifying Cebu as well-suited for collaboration in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, medical technologies, tourism-related innovations, and sustainable solutions.

Highlighting that nearly 70 percent of Cebu's economy is service-driven, Kursh emphasized Israeli companies' interest in leveraging the province's innovation capabilities. She also identified immediate avenues for cooperation, such as talent and teacher training programs focusing on AI and emerging skills, offering to deploy Israeli experts to assist educators.

On trade and investment, Kursh noted the need to rejuvenate flows that were disrupted by global challenges, including conflict in the region. Prior to these disruptions, trade between Israel and the Philippines had reached approximately US$500 million. She stated, "My goal is to raise that again — not alone, but in partnership with the Philippine business community."

Kursh recalled that Israel's Economic Minister Nir Barkat met with Philippine Trade Secretary Cristina Roque in July 2025 to discuss advancing a Philippines–Israel Free Trade Agreement, reinforcing the commitment to future cooperation despite ongoing conflicts.

Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan also underscored the benefits such agreements could bring, particularly in technology and innovation transfer.

Further, Kursh pointed to promising collaboration opportunities in agriculture and water technologies, highlighting Israel's expertise in desalination, water harvesting, and controlled-environment farming. Other potential sectors include medical and health technologies, cybersecurity, IT services, and digital solutions for tourism and the MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) industry.

She noted, "You are a paradise for tourists. There are many opportunities to apply technology in tourism and MICE." Kursh additionally proposed initiating direct flights between Israel and Cebu, especially charter services during Passover and Easter seasons.

Tourism data from the Department of Tourism indicated that nearly 8,000 Filipinos visited Israel from January to October 2025, demonstrating considerable potential for expanding travel links.

As Cebu prepares to host some ASEAN meetings in 2026, Kursh mentioned Israel's interest in exploring sister-city partnerships and joint projects to reinforce long-term cooperation. She also expressed readiness to support business events and foster tourism and investment ties.

Emphasizing Israel's development model, characterized by collaboration among government, industry, and academia, Kursh suggested Cebu could adopt similar strategies to accelerate growth. She concluded, "The secret that made the desert bloom in Israel was the ecosystem working together. Cebu has that same potential."