SALT LAKE CITY – Governor Gary Herbert is back from his trade mission to Israel and, while in the Middle East, he became the first U.S. governor to take a trade delegation to the West Bank.
The governor and delegation members reported on Wednesday that the mission was a success.
Israel leads the world in the number of start-up companies per capita, and Utah business leaders see it as an opportunity that can benefit both sides.
Herbert met with Israeli President Shimon Perez, Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and business leaders in Ramallah.
“And talked in terms of the fact that as we work together economically, we can become friends. That’s the enter to better relationships. It’s hard to do business with your enemies. But it’s certainly a lot easier to do business with your friends. And his suggestion to us all is that economic opportunity leads to peace and prosperity,” Herbert said.
Herbert says both Israeli and Palestinian business leaders are planning a trade mission to Utah in the future.
