Manufacturers Association of Israel

In 1921 the Association of Manufacturers and Employers was founded by a group of Jewish industrialists, led by Arie Shenkar, during the British Mandate for Palestine period. This association broke up after four years and then the Association of Manufacturers in the Land of Israel was founded, which was later renamed Manufacturers Association of Israel. The main objectives of the association were “to help factory owners raise capital, work together as a group in dealing with workers’ union, and contend with the authorities in matters related to taxes, levies, import restrictions, etc.” However, the primary objective was to “promote the dream of a flourishing Zionist industry” in the creation of the State of Israel. Nowadays, the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel's main objectives are to continue developing industry in Israel, protecting and promoting the interest of manufacturers who are members of the MAI, and positioning the MAI as an innovative organization that initiates change, takes the lead on issues affecting the private sector, and influences the economy and society in the State of Israel.

Economics: The Economics Division coordinates the association's major economic activities, and is responsible for formulating the association's macro-economic and micro-economic agenda. On top of that the division provides counseling, research and representation services for MAI Members in related topics.

Labor: The division is responsible for representing employers in labor relations aspects, with respect to decisions made in the MAI Labor Committee. It conducts collective bargaining over labor legislation and agreements, and advocates for improved local curricula of vocational training. The division employs experts in the fields of labor relations, labor law, human resources, training, productivity, safety and welfare.

Foreign Trade & International Relations: The Division of Foreign Trade & International Relations supports MAI activity with a focus on economic foreign policy, International cooperation and trade. The division advocates the interests of the local industry in terms of foreign trade policy, while promoting international collaborations and the principles of free trade. The division is in charge of representing industry and business positions in Intergovernmental and International Organizations.

Finance: The Finance & Administration Division is responsible for the association's financial and reporting systems. It provides professional services to MAI Associations, and ancillary Sub-Associations. The division's operations are directed and supervised by the association's Finance Committee, composed of public officials.