Eshkol Arrives in U.S. ; Reports Great Increase in Israel’s Export

“Israel’s national production has increased at the steady average rate of ten percent a year which is one of the highest in the world, ” Levi Eshkol, Israel’s Finance Minister said here today. “Our exports have risen by 20 percent this year as compared with last year and should total about $280, 000, 000,” he added. Mr. Eshkol made the statement on his arrival at Idlewild International airport.

“I am very pleased to visit this great country once again, I have come to attend the sessions of the board of governors of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, and to address the National Economic Conference for State of Israel bonds, which will be held in Chicago this week-end, ” Mr. Eshkol said. “At both gatherings I shall be able to give a favorable report on Israel’s economy and its progress.

“Our national production has increased at the steady average rate of ten percent a year which is one of the highest in the world. Our exports have risen by 20 percent this year as compared with last year and should total about two hundred and eighty million dollars. We plan to keep the pace of increase in our national production and in exports. We hope to double and reach 500 million dollars of exports by 1965.

“To a great extent the progress of our economy has been speeded through the exceptional generosity and warmth of the people of the United States and its government. Loans from the American Government, grants-in-aid and investments in Israel by hundreds of thousands of Americans through Israel bonds have, in great measure, made this possible.

“Furthermore, we expect an increase in flow of private investments from abroad to Israel, as a result of our economic achievements and of the benefits we grant to investors. Our Parliament has just enacted a new law for the encouragement of capital investments which makes it one of the most liberal in the world.”