Israel calls for closer cooperation with China

Bennett denied there are restrictions on Israel's high-tech exports to China.

"I don't believe that there is any restriction on high-tech. In security areas, there's restriction all over the world. It's not unique. In fact, I'm bringing along with me a delegation of software entrepreneurs and CEOs in the IT sector and the financial services sector, and we are all about sharing and growing together, " he said.

According to Bennett, his upcoming China visit is one of the steps taken by Israel to implement the consensus Netanyahu reached in May with Chinese leaders to further tap bilateral trade and economic cooperation potential. After his visit to China in May, Netanyahu established a ministerial committee chaired by himself and an inter-ministerial committee to promote economic ties with China.

"The Chinese and Israeli governments have formed a joint committee, a bilateral committee, to implement the vision of growing the business relationship and economic relationship between the two peoples. I'm actually the vice chair of this committee from the Israeli side ... We expected to put it into action in the next few months," Bennett said.

The minister also expressed Israel's intention to start free trade talks with China. "One of our goals is to initiate it (the talks) right now. So this is a goal. But it's going to take a while ... I'm very excited about this opportunity," he said.

As to Israel's cooperation with China in doing business in third countries, Bennett said Israel's skills and expertise combined with China's know-how will be "a huge win" for both countries.

When talking about his impression of China, Bennett, who visited China in 2008, said he was very impressed by "the sizzling of entrepreneurship" in China and the desire of the Chinese people to grow businesses.

"I'm (also) impressed by the (Chinese) government who is doing an amazing job that the world is admiring," he added.