Israel-India shares close bond : Ambassador Malka

Israels Ambassor to India Ron Malka on Monday said his country share a close bond of friendship with India and complement each or.

Underlining close bond between two countries in recent years, he said it extended to fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

"India and israel complement each or., Both countries are fighting coronavirus closely toger," he said at foundation stone laying event of Indo-Israeli Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Protected Cultivation at Khetri in outskirts of Guwahati.

He welcomed Assam into India-Israel partnership dynamics.

foundation of Centre of Excellence was laid by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

Earlier in day, an Israeli delegation led by diplomat called on Sonowal and held wide ranging discussion on various issues beneficial for both Israel and Assam.

Laying foundation of Centre of Excellence in presence of Israeli ambassor, Sonowal said it would be a value dition to governments efforts to double farmers income through infusion of technology in agriculture, agribusiness and food processing.

Rs 10.33 crore project is expected to bolster agricultural activities in state by providing exposure to latest Israeli technologies to states farmers and helping m maximize ir production and income, Sonowal said.

He hoped that Center will provide a major boost to agricultural and horticultural production in Assam leing to greater economic rewards to states farmers.

Highlighting "tremendous growth story" of Norast in last six years due to leership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sonowal said that region has been taken from periphery to middle of countrys growth narrative through substantial improvement in air, ro and river connectivity and setting stage for state to become gateway to south east Asia and ASEAN.

region is now seen as a promising destination for cultural exchange, tre and commerce, travel and tourism, he said.

Due to positive interventions by state government, Assams annual production of food grain, fruits and vegetable has significantly increased in recent years.

Farmers in Assam are now able to export fruits and vegetables to places like Dubai, London, Bangkok, Abu Dhabi and or international destinations, he said.

Sonowal also laid emphasis on Centres plan to make Norast an organic hub and elaborated on initiatives taken by state government in this regard.

He evinced keen interest in working with Israel in harnessing sectors strength in generating employment and contributing to states economic progress.

He also mentioned potential collaborations with Israel in furring growth of start-up ecosystem in state through exchange programme and Israeli mentorship of various such projects in Assam.

Speaking about industrial development of state, Sonowal called for Israeli help in furring states industrial growth.

Israel's cooperation in various sectors will help Assams farmers and entrepreneurs in finding a reliable platform at a much faster pace, chief minister ded.