Israel India | Business Guide | 2017

088 > Business Education > Cross-Border Communications  Israel-India > Business Guide > 2017 ‏ W hat business people on both sides have quickly learned is to send groups of business people, professionals and educationists to explore the potential for collaboration and cooperation. Using the wide knowledge that Israel has in Agriculture andWater,MASHAV – Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation decided to set up Centers of Excellence in various parts of India. ‏ In one shot, Indians saw that Israeli professionals are willing to roll up their sleeves,muddy their hands and teach Indian farmers how best to harness their resources. There can be no better advertisement for India-Israel cooperation than the Center of Excellence project. By coming over and demonstrating, Israel immediately ‘crossed borders’ and were met on the side with warmth and acceptance. Today, virtually every Israeli agri and water management company has presence in India.  Building Better Understanding  ‏ Common barriers to effective communication and how they can be overcome Abraham Yehuda What are the main hurdles in building proper understanding? 1 .‏ Indian companies are keen to have their potential partners from Israel to bring in their technology and even invest in projects in India.  For several years, Israelis were concerned about investing or in securing their technology. 2 ‏ . Indian companies are keen to have their personnel trained in Israel for joint projects. But when this began to, it was evident to both sides what cooperation can achieve. Tips to Business People 1 ‏ . Learn more about your counterparts – their background,way of life,their history and their ambitions.Israelis may consider visiting India during the main religious festivals.And Indians, likewise, could participate in some Jewish Festivals in Israel. 2 ‏ . Explore the wonderful geography in both countries – travel extensive and observe the way of life of your‘market’.Drip irrigation and Fertilizer companies from Israel certainly followed this path while making inroads in the market in India.Today, virtually all Israeli Drip Irrigation companies have production units in India. 3 .‏ Participate in as many major Exhibitions and Trade Fairs - both in the other’s country or internationally.It’s a useful way of knowing what is made, what is available, getting acquainted with the buyers’ profiles and learning about their buying habits. 4 ‏ . Visit each other’s country as often as possible. On each visit you will learn new and interesting characteristics of the market and its complexities. 5 ‏ . It is traditional to bring a gift if you are invited to your Indian associate’s home and things.Items that are traditional and authentic to Israel are highly appreciated. 6 .‏ Familiarity is also another common custom in Israel. People adopt a“first-name basis”approach to people they meet within minutes. Getting on first name terms can take longer in India, and sometimes does not happen at all. 7 ‏ . Israelis are considered to be among the most “direct” people in the world. They shy away from nuances,niceties and“small talk”. But this is changing.Getting to know the other person before you do business with him is a most common practice in India.  8 ‏ . Many Indians,like the British,are prone to using the famous understatement.They will rarely say “NO” but will say “We need more time;maybe we will review it a second time at our next internal meeting;we have considered it positively but there is no budget left.” Participate in as many major Exhibitions and Trade Fairs - both in the other’s country or internationally. It’s a useful way of knowing what is made, what is available, getting acquainted with the buyers’ profiles and learning about their buying habits Trade Fair. photo by: © Ethnica, Dreamstime.com