The Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition (PJC) commends the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Israel Innovation Authority (IIA) on the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to encourage cooperation in industrial research and development and innovation between Israeli and Pennsylvania companies. The MOU is being signed on November 6, 2017 at a ceremony at the Big Data & Digital Health Summit at Thomas Jefferson University at Jefferson Alumni Hall.
For several years, the Pennsylvania Jewish communities, Philadelphia Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition have been working with the DCED, the IIA, and the Israeli Consulate’s office to encourage companies based in Israel to broaden their operations to communities within the Commonwealth, and vice versa. Through this agreement Israeli and Pennsylvania companies will each have research opportunities, financial support and other resources to expand and improve their businesses.
“Pennsylvania’s Jewish communities applaud Governor Tom Wolf, DCED and the IIA for signing a Memorandum of Understanding to help advance the global reach of Pennsylvania businesses,” said Marc J. Zucker, Chairman of the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition. “This memorandum is a strong statement encouraging companies from Israel and Pennsylvania to share their entrepreneurial skills, innovation and resources.”
“Reaching this historic understanding has been a cooperative effort between the Jewish Federations throughout the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Israel Chamber of Commerce and the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition working with the economic development offices in both Israel and Pennsylvania,” continued Mr. Zucker. “This is an important first step in helping businesses in both Israel and Pennsylvania find synergy in areas of common interest. It’s a pioneering initiative for mutual improvement of our respective industries and businesses, and reflects the growing importance of both Pennsylvania and Israel in international trade.”