Stressing Israel's status in high-technology manufacturing, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on August 25 called on Japanese firms to take part in joint-venture projects.

In a 30-minute meeting with Shoichiro Toyoda, chairman of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), in Tokyo, Netanyahu said that Japan and Israel can be "unique and powerful" partners if Japan's strong productivity and Israel's high technology are "married," according to Keidanren officials.

Netanyahu said that as Israel begins to transfer its military technology to the private sector it has become the No. 2 high-tech manufacturer behind the United States, boasting more than 1,000 high-tech firms. Toyoda reportedly told Netanyahu that many Japanese firms are interested in business and investment opportunities in Israel, and that the current visit to Japan will help foster closer economic ties between the countries.