Israel sees PH as emerging market for cybersecurity solutions

MANILA - The Israeli Embassy to the Philippines as well as Israeli technology and cybersecurity companies on Tuesday acknowledged the potential of the country as an emerging market for cybersecurity solutions.

In a cyber roadshow initiated by the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines held in Taguig on Tuesday, Economic Counsellor Ofek Venecianer highlighted the country’s rapid digital transformation, cyber threat exposure, and its strong potential for long-term business partnership.

She also cited President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s speech during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), wherein he stressed the need for digitalization for the Philippines to keep up with its neighboring countries and do business with them.

In an interview, Venecianer said the level of interest from Israeli cybersecurity firms in the Philippine market is “one of the highest in Asia,” with many Israeli companies actively seeking to enter or expand in the country.

Venecianer cited Israel’s security situation, which she said led to it being one of the countries with the most advanced technology.

“It is very natural for Israel to look towards the US and Europe, but now Asia is a growing market and the Philippines specifically is really an interesting market for them,” she said.

“They really understand the potential in the market and they are approaching us actively to have our assistance in entering the Philippine market, but I also [look at] it the other way around, with Philippine entities and agencies from the government and the private sector reaching out and seeking cybersecurity solutions."

Eight Israeli companies specializing in various cybersecurity fields, from cloud and data protection to securing physical devices, joined the event to meet with government agencies, private companies, and academic institutions.

Venecianer said some of these companies already have local partners, while others are considering expanding operations in the Philippines.

Israel Deputy Ambassador Ester Buzgan, meanwhile, cited the importance of the similarities in the cultural orientation of Israelis and Filipinos.

She also pointed to the Philippines’ English proficiency and strategic role in Southeast Asia as factors that make it more attractive for Israeli firms.

“We do business with friends, and Filipinos and Israelis share that connection of trust,” Buzgan said.

In opening the event, Ambassador-designate Dana Kursh said the Philippines’ ongoing digitalization presents a critical opportunity to integrate strong cyber safeguards at the outset.

She also cited the long-standing relationship between the Philippines and Israel, making the country attractive to Israeli companies.

“I think that what connects both of our people is basically three F's --family, friendliness, and faith. It's something that connects us, and its something that is present both in the Philippines and in Israel,” Kursh said.

“You do business with friends, and once you build this relationship, you can do a lot of good things together. It's creativity and resourcefulness, and basically looking at the challenge and trying to address it together."

Meanwhile, aside from cybersecurity, Israel also sees potential collaborations with the Philippines in the sectors of agriculture, water technology, food security, and other innovation sectors. (PNA)

(2025/08/13-13:23)

Philippine News Agency: info@pna.gov.ph, pna.subscription2020@yahoo.com