(JNS) Bilateral trade between Israel and the United Arab Emirates is “exceeding all predictions” and expected to pass a billion dollars this year, chairman of the Israel Export Institute Adiv Baruch told the Khaleej Times. “We expected it would take a few years to reach a billion dollars annually in bilateral trade, but we are very close to it,” said Baruch. “By the end of 2021, bilateral trade will be much higher than a billion dollars, and that’s before we even have the figure for technology services.”

“The top parameter here that has helped success is respect,” said Baruch. “There’s also a need for much patience—understanding needs and looking at partners’ strategic bonds to see how you can fit in as well. All of this is happening on a very high level. I believe we still have to continue paving the road, but there’s definitely strong will to make this a very effective economic diplomacy effort.”

Baruch also noted growing discussions about expanding Israel-UAE cooperation in other areas, including digital health care, financial technology and food security.

He described the relationship between the two countries: “It started off as a gold rush, but we said we have to do it professionally, building the right contacts and establishing the right trust. We started to see that mature thinkers and business leaders looking for long-term partnerships took it seriously on a professional level.”

Main Photo: Israeli and United Arab Emirates flags. Credit: Leonid Altman/Shutterstock.