(JTA) — A delegation from Colorado on a trade mission to Israel signed several economic development agreements.
The mission, sponsored by the Allied Jewish Federation of Colorado and private contributions, and led by Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, returned Monday after the weeklong mission that focused on building partnerships in fields such as energy, clean tech and water.
“This trip was a success on all fronts — business, academic and research,” Ritter said. “We created a solid foundation for future economic activity, set the stage for immediate follow-up meetings in Colorado and laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration. I’m confident this mission will lead to increased jobs, investments and economic growth for Colorado.”
During the mission, Ritter met with several top Israeli officials, including President Shimon Peres; Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor Benjamin Ben-Eliezer; Infrastructure Minister Uzi Landau; and Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, formerly U.S. ambassador.
Ritter and Ben-Eliezer signed a bilateral agreement between Colorado and Israel to advance research and collaboration between companies and institutions in both states.
The state also signed an agreement to help develop the workforce for the Tamar natural-gas field off the coast of northern Israel.
