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Silicon Valley is out. Silicon Desert is in.
That’s the word on the street – a Tel Aviv street – following Governor Doug Ducey’s trip to Israel last week. In fact, that’s exactly what one Israeli news publication reported, detailing Arizona’s many advantages for Israeli businesses. Low taxes, a high-quality of life and a strong trade relationship – some things ring true in any language.
The story about Arizona from Globes, an Israeli financial newspaper, is below. (Don’t worry, we’ve translated it for you.) Also below are excerpts from other articles about the governor’s whirlwind trip from Arizonan and Israeli media, as well as social media.
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Silicon Valley is out. Silicon Desert is in.
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This week, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey visited Israel, one of Israel's biggest friends among the governors and, no less important, the state governor, whose trade with Israel is the third largest after California and New York.
In a conversation with Globes, he explains that his goal is to attract Israeli high-tech companies, entrepreneurs, start-ups and investors to his country. "We have all the conditions for Israeli companies and start-ups to grow with us," says Ducey. The corporate income tax in Arizona stands at 4.9 percent, compared to 7.25 percent in New York and 8.84 percent in California. At the same time, Arizona (non-federal) income tax for residents is 2.5 percent, compared to 10.9 percent in New York and 13.3 percent in California. The volume of trade between Israel and Arizona in 2021 reached about $680 million, and accounted for 1.3 percent of all of Israel's foreign trade.
Due in part to the high taxation and cost of living in California and New York, states like Arizona provide a replacement for tech companies looking to find a convenient location for their bases. Ducey mentions that his country is the only one that operates a trade and investment office in Israel, and says that during his visit he focuses on companies that deal with technology related to desert agriculture, salt water desalination, efficient use of irrigation, and solar energy.
Another aspect that the Arizona governor dealt with during his visit to Israel is border control. Arizona, like all border countries with Mexico, suffers from illegal immigration from Latin American countries.
Ducey met with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, his predecessor Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, and several technology companies.
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Jewish News: Gov. Ducey embarks on third trip to Israel
This is Ducey’s third trip to Israel since he took office in 2015. He was the first Arizona governor to go to Israel and during his first year in office, he led an eight-day official trade mission there.
Arizona Public Media: Governor heads to Israel
Ducey has worked over his seven years in office to boost economic ties with Israel, which has a similar arid climate and water and security issues.
Jewish News Syndicate: Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey brings economic trade mission to Israel
Consul General Newman, who was a key facilitator of Ducey’s visit, told JNS, “The Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles was delighted to work with the governor and his team on realizing this visit of the governor, the third visit by the governor in Israel.”
Ducey, added Newman, “is one of the greatest friends of the State of Israel and the people of Israel, as demonstrated by his many actions. Among them are his opening of an office of trade in Israel, divesting from Ben & Jerry’s, his many statements of support and his solidarity with Jerusalem Day.”
The Jerusalem Post: Arizona governor plants ‘peace tree’ in Jerusalem Memorial Day ceremony
“For [Israel] to recognize the importance of our relationship and the United States is something that’s incredibly meaningful,” Ducey told The Media Line. “To have members of our military here to lead in the benediction, the placing of the wreath, to spend time with the ambassador just further strengthens and solidifies our relationship.”
The Times of Israel: Arizona governor in Israel to boost trade, business ties
“We’ve gleaned some good ideas on border security and water tech,” Ducey told The Times of Israel on Tuesday. The Republican governor’s current mission to Israel is focused on bilateral trade, water, and border security, his office has said.
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