Minister of Finance Yuval Steinitz and Manufacturers Association president and Economic Organizations Liaison Committee chairman Shraga Brosh agreed last night that the "Round Table" will meet to discuss ways to improve export competitiveness in light of changes in the exchange rate and employment conditions. The two men met at Ben Gurion Airport at 11 pm, just before Steinitz left for the US. They had been due to meet Thursday, but postponed it.
The Round Table forum brings together representatives of the Histadrut, manufacturers, and the government.
Brosh said, "Two facts must be addressed. The employment situation will not improve without renewed export growth, and exports cannot resume their growth rates at the present shekel-dollar exchange rate. Even if there are signs that the world is emerging from the crisis, under the current exchange rates, Israeli exports cannot compete and are liable to lag behind.
"The Bank of Israel has done, and is doing, what it can to support exports. I am sure that the right forum to discuss the threat of the exchange rate on the economy is the Round Table. Through dialogue and partnership, it will be possible to achieve an optimal plan to strengthen export competitiveness under the exchange rate threat."
Sources close to Brosh said that it was important to him that Histadrut chairman Ofer Eini, who represents the defense of workers who have been affected and fired as a result of the strong shekel, should participate. The participation of the defense establishment was also important to him, because it is a dominant pillar of the economy, which is affected by the strong shekel.
As for his expectations from the Round Table, Brosh said, "The immediate goal is clear: strengthen Israel's exports competitiveness and create jobs."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 13, 2009
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