Mind the Tech NY
Israel Export Institute: "We are the commando force of Israel’s economy"
Avi Balashnikov, Chairman of the Institute, spoke about its aggressive strategy to keep exports thriving.
"We work twice as hard. We enter through every door and window. Israeli industry is strong," said Avi Balashnikov, Chairman of The Israel Export Institute, in an interview at the Calcalist and Bank Leumi Mind the Tech conference in New York. Balashnikov spoke about the challenges facing Israeli industry since October 7 and the efforts to ensure that Israeli exports continue to grow despite increasing global opposition.
"Israeli industry offers high-quality products across all fields. The State of Israel competes at the forefront with the most advanced Western countries. The high-tech industry—the startup nation—will not stop because the human capital in Israel is immense."
Balashnikov also addressed the evolving role of the Export Institute since the war broke out. "Since the war began, the Export Institute has been operating at turbo speed. It’s not the same institute, and the challenges are different," he said. "Israeli industry has to push into global markets time and again, and it’s not easy. We’re not welcomed everywhere, and the road is not made easy for us."
According to him, the Export Institute has become a strategic force in Israel’s economic front. "We are essentially the elite unit of the economic government ministries—the commando force of the Ministry of Economy and Industry. Our mission is not just to maintain the status quo but to break into new markets, even in the face of opposition, protests, and provocations."
Despite global challenges and political pressure on companies to distance themselves from Israel, Balashnikov made it clear that the Export Institute’s activities remain in full force. "I can say unequivocally that we are fully executing our work plans for 2024 and 2025. No exhibition has been canceled because of the war. No Israeli pavilion has been canceled. No Israeli business delegation—across any industry—has been withdrawn."
Balashnikov emphasized that his directive is clear: to assist every exporter seeking entry into global markets, even when facing resistance. "We are not canceling anything," he said firmly.
Alongside its business activity, Israel faces growing hostility on the international stage. "At global exhibitions, Israel showcases large, impressive pavilions, but not everyone who visits them greets us with open arms," he noted. "We frequently encounter hate speech, protests, and boycott calls, but we endure it all and keep moving forward."
According to Balashnikov, the Export Institute and its partners are determined to push ahead. "We work twice as hard. We enter through every door and window. Israeli industry is strong. Israeli high-tech is thriving. Israeli products are of the highest quality. And in the world of business, quality is what ultimately matters. We have nothing to be ashamed of."
Balashnikov also reflected on the broader impact of the war on Israel’s economy. "If you look at the economic indicators, you’ll see that despite the challenges, the Israeli economy is strong. It’s not easy, but we are holding firm. Israeli industry faces significant obstacles, yet it continues to work and succeed."
He acknowledged the difficulties but conveyed an unwavering sense of optimism. "This is not easy. Not at all. But we are managing remarkably well, and we are overcoming the challenges we face."
When asked about the future, Balashnikov expressed hope that the war would end soon and that Israel would solidify its position as a global economic force. "I hope better days are ahead, that the war will end, and that we will emerge stronger in every field."
Beyond the economic impact, he emphasized the human cost of the crisis. "The most important thing is that all the hostages return home soon. We are waiting for them. There is nothing stronger than the State of Israel. There is nothing stronger than the Jewish people."
Balashnikov concluded with a resolute message: "I am certain that together, together, together—we will overcome all challenges."
