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The World Expo organized every five years by the International Exhibitions Bureau is considered to be the "economic and cultural Olympics" Some 70 million visitors are expected to attend the Expo, which will be held in Shanghai, China from May 1st through October 31, 2010. The theme of the Shanghai Expo is "Better City, Better Life" 241 countries and international organizations are scheduled to participate in the Shanghai Expo, the largest ever, of which some 50 countries will present their nation's treasures in self built pavilions.
In October 2007, the Israeli government decided to participate in Expo 2010 in China and appointed the Foreign Ministry to manage the project. Israel's main goals at this prestigious international exhibition are to position Israel's spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship, gain exposure for Israeli high technologies and possible collaborations, strengthen Israel's ties with China and promote tourism to Israel. A group headed by architect Haim Doran leads the planning, design and construction of the Israeli national pavilion jointly with designer Prosper Amir. Bearing the theme "Innovation for a Better Life" the 2000 m2 pavilion will present an array of Israel's capabilities and achievements.
The set of stamps issued for Expo 2010 feature Israeli innovations that have changed the world in three main areas: agriculture, high-tech and medicine.
"Netafim", global pioneer of drip irrigation, has led Israel's worldwide success in the realm of efficient irrigation and conservation of water for agriculture since its establishment.
The system was developed based on research by engineer Simcha Blass whodiscovered that plants develop better in close proximity to a designated water source. The "Netafim" company was established at Kibbutz Hatzerim in 1965 and proceeded to spread the word about drip irrigation throughout the world. This system combines plant irrigation and nourishment by dripping drops of water mixed with fertilizer directly into plant roots. In this manner larger, higher quality yields are achieved while also conserving water and energy.
Innovative products, adapted to various agricultural crops and to the utilization of alternative water sources, have been developed by "Netafim" over the years.
High-tech - Chips and Processors
"Intel Corporation" began its operations in Israel in 1974, with the establishment of its research and development center in Haifa, as initiated by Dov Frohman. This was the company's first R&D center outside the United States. Intel's Israeli operation played a significant role in laying the foundation for Israel's high-tech industry. The R&D center's success helped Dov Frohman persuade the parent company to also establish Intel's first production facility outside the US in Jerusalem in 1985. Intel's modern production facility in the town of Kiryat Gat, where some of the most advanced processors in the world are manufactured, is the company's crowning glory in Israel. Intel's R&D centers in Israel have contributed significantly to the company's success. Innovative and advanced processors that facilitate the capabilities, strength and speed of the world's computers have been and continue to be planned by these centers. Intel currently operates four R&D centers in Israel, located in Haifa, Petach Tikva, Jerusalem and Yakum, as well as two production facilities in Jerusalem and Kiryat Gat.
Given Imaging, an Israeli company located in Yokneam, is involved in the development, manufacturing and marketing of innovative, patient-friendly devices for the evaluation of gastrointestinal diseases. Given Imaging was the first company in the world to develop capsule endoscopy technology, a medical procedure in which a capsule containing a miniature camera is swallowed by the patient. The camera transmits high quality color images of the digestive system, providing the physician with the ability to visualize the gastrointestinal system. This procedure is non-invasive and causes no discomfort to the patient. The products are sold in over 70 countries. To date more than one million patients in over 5,000 medical centers worldwide have benefited from PillCam capsule endoscopy.