Israel has expressed its keenness to enter into a free-trade agreement (FTA) with India. It already has similar agreements with the European Union and the US, visiting Prime Minister Ariel Sharon told industry captains here on Wednesday. He also called upon Indian businessmen to participate in the disinvestment programme in his country.Addressing a business meet organised by Ficci and CII, Sharon said there was immense potential for greater cooperation in diversified areas. “We will continue to develop our relations with India,” he added.Meanwhile, CII, Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute and Manufacturers Association of Israel have set up an Indo-Israel CEOs forum, comprising senior business heads from both the countries to deliberate on trade and economic issues. The forum, comprising CEOs from both countries, will initially meet annually in each country once.CII president Anand Mahindra said India’s burgeoning telecommunications infrastructure provided an ideal market for Israeli technology and companies in this field.Ficci vice-president Y.K. Modi suggested that the two countries should have an FTA which would facilitate Israeli companies in targeting the Indian market. “Ficci would make an effort to take a delegation to Israel later this year,” he said.
