Israel is a full member of the OECD, with a dynamic and growing economy, highly developed and transparent financial system, active and sophisticated capital markets and a reliable legal system. Israeli has a stable business environment and open economic system with the Israeli economy showing impressive resilience during the last world economic crisis.
Economic Data 2018
- GDP (current prices, B$): 370
- GDP Real Growth Rate: 3.2%
- GDP/Capita (thousands of $, based on PPP): 40,200
- Exports as Percentage of GDP: 29.4%
- Unemployment Rate: 3.99%
The Israeli Infrastructure Market
Israel with its high growth rate and advanced economy presents abundant opportunities for potential investors. The Israeli Infrastructure sector in particular has been undergoing major changes in recent years with various infrastructure projects currently underway or in the planning stages. The discovery of vast reserves of natural gas in the Mediterranean, including the Leviathan gas field, the largest deep-water gas reservoir found anywhere in the world over the past decade, has revolutionized the geopolitical situation in the region. Furthermore the government has committed large sums to developing the transportation sector, while simultaneously encouraging the privatization of many major utilities to enhance competitiveness. There are numerous tenders for construction of roads, railways, pipelines and various other major projects planned for the coming years.
Current and Planned Infrastructure Investment
Railways and Roads
- €20 billion to be invested in transportation projects the next 10 years, of which €3 billion is due to be spent in 2013.
- A new €7.5 billion road network is being built to connect Israel’s periphery by 2016.
- Estimated budget for development of rapid mass transportation system: €11 billion.
Water
- As of 2019, Israel’s Water Authority, plans over $4 billion expenditures the constructuction of water infrastructure over the coming 10 years .
Natural Gas
- The EastMed pipeline, that should enable the distribution of Israeli gas to Europe has reached an historical milestone in 2019 when an agreement was signe between Israel, Greece, Italy and Cyprius in partnership with the European Union.
Electricity
- During the COP 21, Israel committed to significantly reduce its emissions from coal power plants and to reach 17% of renewable energies by 2030