Bahrain, Israel must boost ties in ‘innovation and technology’

TDT | Manama                                                                  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

It is time for Israel and Bahrain to establish fruitful relationships in innovation and technology, tackling common challenges and creating shared opportunities, stated Yariv Becher, VP of Innovation Diplomacy at Start-Up Nation Central.

Bahrain has embarked on a journey to transform its economy from commodity-based to one driven by innovation and technology. Becher discussed the importance of innovation and economic cooperation in the Middle East during an exclusive interview with The Daily Tribune.

"The innovation activity in Israel can contribute to Bahrain’s development into an innovation hub, and, in turn, Bahrain can serve as a regional hub for Israeli tech companies," he said. Becher emphasised that his visit to Bahrain is only one milestone in a long-term partnership.

First, he noted that Israel and the Israeli Ambassador to Bahrain have a close relationship that dates back more than a year. "Second, we have made several trips here, and most recently, we addressed a conference in Bahrain in March. These are all just significant turning points in a protracted process."

The primary objective of this visit is to promote some of the initiatives that we started in March."

He noted that Start-Up Nation Central aims to work with different countries to build ecosystems and assist them in different areas. Becher added: "Though Bahrain is not at the same stage as Israel is, it is still easier to collaborate since both nations are centres for innovation activities. Bahraini entrepreneurs have proven to be very inventive and industrious; both countries have small markets and must think globally."

As soon as Israeli firms begin operating in Bahrain, job possibilities and economic expansion will both benefit and contribute to the creation of an ecosystem for innovation that will lead to prosperity.

Highlighting the growing relations between Israel and Bahrain, he said: "In the meantime, we and Tamkeen will launch a programme that will bring tech talent from Bahrain to Israel for six to twelve months of work in organisations that will open up more career or business options for organisations from both nations."