Israel: Haifa port handed over to Adani Group
Gauttam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group, said that it was a privilege to meet the Prime Minister of Israel. Haifa port has been handed over to Adani Group on this important day. Abraham Accord will be a game changer for Mediterranean logistics. Adani Gadot is set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all.
Privileged to meet with @IsraeliPM @netanyahu on this momentous day as the Port of Haifa is handed over to the Adani Group. The Abraham Accord will be a game changer for the Mediterranean sea logistics. Adani Gadot set to transform Haifa Port into a landmark for all to admire. pic.twitter.com/Cml2t8j1Iv
— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) January 31, 2023
He further said, It is a moving experience to be here on this historic day. I have spoken on many foreign lands
– but I must admit,
– never on a foreign land where I felt so inspired,
– never on a foreign land that I have admired – as much as this land,
– and most of all, never on a foreign land – where I do not feel foreign.
I passionately believe that the Israeli spirit makes all the difference, and no one could have articulated this spirit better than your first Prime Minister – David Ben-Gurion – when he said:
“In Israel – in order to be a realist – you must believe in miracles.”
Israel and its people are – indeed – the manifestation of several miracles.
In terms of history, our friendship extends well before we became independent in 1947 and 1948. The most memorable day that binds our friendship together was the 23rd of September of 1918.
It was on this day that our soldiers from the Indian cities of Mysore, Hyderabad and Jodhpur battled here – at this very city – for the freedom of Haifa.
And earlier today, I had an opportunity to visit the cemetery where our soldiers were put to rest.
It was a moving moment for me to reflect on the fact that the port we now share – is part of the same city – where soldiers from both our countries – fought side by side for the ultimate shared cause that we all call —– Freedom.
Israel has always motivated me.
You have rewritten the rules of what a country with a population of less than ten million can achieve.
You have rewritten the rules by proving what a country with very little natural resources can achieve.
And you have rewritten the rules by showcasing what a country with self-belief can achieve.
The elasticity of Israel makes it the world’s most resilient nation. The proof is in how this country has demonstrated growth.
Israel is an outcome of its ability to beat all odds with the sheer power of science and technology.
Your pace of innovation across multiple sectors amazes me. Your drive for innovation makes me wonder how we can learn from you. You have focused on sustainable growth far before the world was talking about sustainability.
You focused on water, energy, and soil conservation – well before these became mainstream trends.
It is staggering to imagine how a nation with less than 10 million population can have a GDP of 500 billion dollars.
My dear friends,
Let me now talk about our presence in Israel. Today’s occasion is the outcome of a lot of hard work that has been put in over the past 6 years.
Over these years we have struck many critical partnerships that include Elbit Systems, Israel Weapon Systems, and Israel Innovation Authority.
We have initiated several dozen technology relationships wherein we have offered the entire Adani Portfolio of companies to be a giant sandbox for us to learn together.
We are also in the process of setting up an Artificial Intelligence lab in Tel Aviv which will work in close collaboration with our new AI labs in India and US.
We also anticipate establishing collaborative relationships with local colleges like the University of Haifa to be able to capitalize on the deep technology expertise available in this city.
And now we have the most momentous partnership of all – the Haifa Port along with our valued partner Gadot.
Honorable Prime Minister, this privatization initiative was actioned at a time when you were the Prime Minister, and it is only fitting that today it is you who is handing the port over to us at this memorable ceremony.
Talking about Haifa port, I am very confident that with the support from the Government of Israel, the local authorities, and our partner Gadot, we will transform the entire port landscape.
We realize that there will be competition from others, but our confidence comes from our belief in the people of Israel and therefore our belief in the Israel Growth story.
Our intention is to make the right set of investments that will not just make the Adani Gadot partnership proud but will make the whole of Israel proud.
The acquisition of the Haifa port also comes with a significant amount of real estate. And I promise you that in the years to come we will transform the skyline we see around us.
The Haifa of tomorrow – will look very different from the Haifa that you see today. With your support – we will deliver on this commitment and do our part to transform this city.
My dear Friends,
In closing – let me quote two lines penned by one of your most famous poets Yehuda Amichai.
A man does not have time in his life – to have time for everything.
He does not have seasons enough – to have a season for every purpose.
I found these lines tremendously inspiring. As we try and transform our nations, we all come to the realization that we will never have time for everything that we want to do. However, the journey must go on as new seasons arrive.
What I have come to realize is that the seasons you celebrate in Israel are the seasons of – passion, tenacity, belief, and drive.
These seasons give you purpose. What you have proven is that – these are the only seasons that matter.
I am grateful for your support, your friendship, and your inspiration.
