Mumbai: Stating that the future belongs to those who innovate, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said 15 countries that rank ahead of Israel in World Bank’s competitive index bothers him more than what is happening in Syria.
While addressing the Indo-Israel business summit in Mumbai on Thursday, Mr Netanyahu highlighted the need to focus on innovation to remain globally competitive.
“There are 15 countries, which make me lose my sleep every night. Switzerland makes me lose my sleep. Singapore makes me lose my sleep. USA makes me lose my sleep. They are among the 15 countries that rank ahead of Israel in World Bank’s global competitive index,” he said calling for greater co-operation between Indian and Israeli firms in the field of innovation.
“It is very, very crucial today for you and your Israeli counterparts to meet up, because the future belongs to those who innovate. We in Israel are seizing the future; you in India are seizing the future. Together, you will get there a lot quicker and also get a lot further. We must come together to define our future,” he added.
Noting that his governments efforts have ensured in Israel climbing 12 spots to be 15th on the rankings, Mr Netanyahu said his aim is to break into the top ten in terms of competitiveness globally.
Describing his country’s relation with India as a match made in heaven, he said the partnership is reaching unprecedented heights and the deep friendship he shares with Narendra Modi goes deeper, right upto the common man. He also stressed the need to remove barriers to competition and empower private enterprises to achieve higher growth.
