Haifa is potential alternative to Suez Canal

TRADITIONALLY, GOODS flowing between India and Europe have relied heavily on routes passing through the Suez Canal.

- NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Ron Malka, executive chairman, Haifa Port 

After the acquisition of Haifa Port, Israel's second largest port, by a consortium led by India's Adani Group, it is being transformed into a world-class facility that can be an alternative route, besides challenging China's growing footprint in the region.

Ron Malka, Israel's former envoy to India, took charge as the executive chairman of the Haifa Port Company this year. He says the goal is to develop Haifa Port as a true gateway connecting the east to west. With India and Israel leveraging its strategic location to boost trade linkages between Israel, neighbouring Arab states and other countries, Malka says expanding the scope of the Abraham Accords to include Saudi Arabia would present new opportunities and open up new horizons. He also says that there is a long-term vision to establish railway connections between Haifa and west Asia through the UAE. Edited excerpts:

Q/How do you see the strategic purchase of Haifa Port by India?

A/Haifa Port is widely regarded as the leading port in Israel across various aspects, including innovation, growth potential, and the range of activities it offers. Our vision is to transform Haifa into a world-class port and position it as a key player in the Mediterranean. Our goal is to develop it as a true gateway connecting the east to Europe and the United States, and vice versa.