Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced on Saturday that she had completed her first overseas trip to Israel, which was aimed at strengthening business ties within the country.
Whitmer met with leaders in government, business and nonprofit organizations, primarily focusing on those involved with water and automotive industries. She also signed a memorandum of understanding with Israel-based nonprofit Start-Up Nation Central. The memorandum is designed to collaborate on technology solutions to improve quality of life for Michigan residents.
“This has been a valuable first trip to solidify relationships with business and nonprofit leaders in Israel,” Whitmer said in a statement.
Whitmer met with Israel’s Minister of Energy Yuval Steinitz on Tuesday and gave remarks at the Water Technology and Environmental Council Conference, an action she says highlights her dedication to protecting Michigan’s Great Lakes.
On Wednesday, Whitmer visited Ford Motor Company’s New Regional Research Center in Tel Aviv, the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation, and the William Davidson Archaeological Park.
Whitmer also signed an agreement with Intel-owned Mobileye, a company dedicated to improving collision avoidance and autonomous vehicle technology. The agreement creates a pilot program that will install Advanced Driver Assist Systems equipment into up to 100 vehicles owned by a variety of government departments.
Designed to utilize Michigan’s winter road conditions, the program aims to show a reduction in collisions when using this technology, as well as collect data to further improve safety for Michigan’s vehicles.
The program is set to run for six months.
“This program will demonstrate the potential of driving assistance technology to save lives, reduce collision-related costs, and help diminish traffic congestion,” Whitmer said. “Our work with Mobileye highlights the number of contributions Michigan brings to the world of mobility and will help us advance technology and improve the quality of life for countless people.”
Whitmer also toured the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and the Archives of the Yad Vashem Research Center, as well as met with Saul Singer, author and former editor at the Jerusalem Post. On Saturday, her final day in Israel, she met with a group of Palestinian business leaders.
“Michigan governors have a long history of working with our partners abroad to strengthen our mobility sector and make Michigan a worldwide destination for businesses and talent,” Whitmer said in a statement. “I was proud to continue that tradition this week and look forward to future trips.”
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Jordyn Pair is a reporter with Battleground State News and the Michigan Star. Follow her on Twitter at @JordynPair. Email her at [email protected].
