FICC’s welcome display for Ambassador Laylo.

TEL AVIV, 19 JANUARY 2023 – Ambassador Pedro R. Laylo, Jr. met officials of the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (FICC) to discuss partnerships in promoting business, trade, and investment relations between the Philippines and Israel.

With over 5000 member companies and firms, the FICC is the largest business organization in Israel.

Ambassador Laylo thanked the FICC for supporting the Embassy’s various trade events and requested its continued cooperation in the Embassy’s upcoming trade and investment promotion activities. 

Mr. Ze’ev Lavie, FICC Vice President for International Relations and Business Development, shared that Israel continues to bring down import barriers and is keen to export more from the Philippines, particularly food products. The FICC will also work closely with the Embassy in connecting more Filipino companies with Israeli partners, especially in digital transformation, fintech, and agritech. Both sides also discussed trade delegation visits as well as business matching and networking sessions.

Ambassador Laylo also met with FICC President Uriel Lynn, who welcomed him to Israel and assured the Federation’s full support for the Embassy’s trade and business events. 

Also present at the meeting were Ms. Sharon Mermelstein, FICC Director for International Relations and Business Development; Mr. Or Nehushtan, Business Development Executive and FICC focal person for Asia and the Pacific; and Ms. Ester Buzgan, incoming Consul of the Israeli Embassy in Manila.The Ambassador was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Mission Anthony Achilles L. Mandap and Third Secretary Teri Bautista, who heads the Embassy’s Economic Section. 

Firms interested in doing business in the Philippines are invited to send inquiries through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Subject: Doing Business in the Philippines). END

LEFT TO RIGHT: FICC VP for International Relations and Business Development Ze’ev Lavie, FICC Director for International Relations and Business Development Sharon Mermelstein, Ambassador Pedro R. Laylo, Jr., and Deputy Chief of Mission Anthony Achilles L. Mandap.

Ambassador Laylo receives a gift from Mr. Lavie.

 LEFT TO RIGHT: Third Secretary Teri Adolf C. Bautista, DCM Mandap, Ambassador Laylo, Mr. Lavie, FICC Director for International Relations and Business Development Sharon Mermelstein, and incoming the Israeli Embassy in Manila Consul Ester Buzgan

Left to Right: DCM Mandap, Ambassador Laylo, FICC President Uriel Lynn, FICC Business Development Executive for Asia and the Pacific Or Nehushtan, Consul Buzgan, and Third Secretary Bautista.

Mr. Lynn shows Ambassador Laylo his memorabilia collection.