Minister of Economics and Industry Eli Cohen met on Monday with employees of the Merkavim and Ha'argaz bus makers, who expressed concern that the Transport Ministry would cancel the reciprocal procurement obligation, and that foreign companies that win tenders from government ministries and various authorities won't be required to make reciprocal transactions.
Minister Cohen told the workers, "The Ministry of Economy insists that in any case where public money is given to foreign suppliers and companies for purchase transactions, these companies will be subject to the same obligation - reciprocal procurement - with Israeli companies. Reciprocal procurement is accepted worldwide and is required in order to develop Israeli industry and encourage foreign investment in the economy.