New Mexico Governor Richardson Meets with Israeli Prime Minister Governor

Signs Agreement to Increase Trade

June 15, 2008 -- JERUSALEM - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson met today with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, and later signed an agreement with the Israeli government to begin a partnership that will result in more trade with New Mexico.

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"I came to Israel to work together to exchange ideas, techniques and explore investment opportunities," Governor Richardson told about 30 business leaders with the American-Israeli Chamber of Commerce. Governor Richardson pointed out that New Mexico's trade with Israel has increased from 24 million to 47 million since he reopened a trade office in Jerusalem.

In March, New Mexico's trade office helped facilitate a deal that resulted in a multi-million dollar contract between Albuquerque-based Lumidigm Inc., a multi-spectral imaging biometrics company, and BioGuard Components and Technologies Ltd. based in Israel. The partnership will produce biometric security sensors.

During a meeting Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Governor Richardson discussed the potential for more research collaboration. Olmert said there is room for improved trade between Israel and New Mexico.

Later, Governor Richardson signed a Joint Declaration with Eliyahu Yishai, the Israeli Minister of Industry, Trade and Labor. The Declaration spells out a process to create strategic partnerships to cooperate on the advancement of joint technologies.

Source: New Mexico Governor