British, Israeli firms may team on projects in the developing world

LONDON, April 13 (JTA) — A delegation from the British government’s investment fund is visiting Israel this week to investigate the possibility of embarking on joint ventures with Israeli companies in agricultural projects in the developing world. Commonwealth Development Corporation manager Andrew Hamilton, who is among the delegates, said the fund would consider investments ranging from $250,000 to $60 million. “We are very impressed with the Israeli companies,” he said. “They have a proven technological superiority and vigorous management.” He said the corporation is “ready to help create joint initiatives” in developing markets “and to send capital, which will supplement the initial investments. This will help to minimize the risks being taken on by the Israeli company.” The corporation operates offices in 30 countries, many of them in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. Its initial focus was the former Soviet Union, but it has since expanded its activities to include emerging markets worldwide. The corporation has invested some $2.4 billion in 400 projects in 55 countries, most of it in venture capital investment in the fields of agriculture, minerals, and oil and gas.