The Manufacturers’ Association of Israel (MAI) (Hebrew: התאחדות התעשיינים בישראל) is the umbrella organization and representative body of all industrial sectors in Israel including the private, public, kibbutz, and government industries. With a membership of over 1,800[1] organizations responsible for more than 90% of the industrial output, the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel is the largest and most influential economic organization in the country. Dr. Ron Tomer has led the organization as President since January 30, 2020.[2] Headquartered in Tel Aviv, the Manufacturers’ Association of Israel has three other regional branches. The Northern branch, located in the city of Haifa, serves over 600 different member organizations which are responsible for around one third of all the industrial manpower in Israel. The Jerusalem branch, located in the city of Jerusalem, serves over 130 different member organizations. The Southern branch, located near the city of Be’er Sheva, serves over 350 different member organizations.
Apart from advocacy and lobbying for the local industry and entrepreneurs, the MAI offers consulting services in industrial relations and legislation, foreign trade – starting from involvement in negotiation processes over Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the practice of international trade regulation, and also at the level of parliamentary legislation as well as the implementation and enforcement of laws.
MAI is a member of international business and employers organizations such as the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the International Labor Organization (ILO), the Business and Industry Advisory Committee (BIAC) to the OECD, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), and the World Economic Forum (WEF). Its local partners are the Israeli Ministry of Economy (formerly known as MOITAL), the Israeli Ministry of Finance, and the Israel Export & International Cooperation Institute. The MAI is also a founding member of BUSINESSMED and a member of the MENA-OECD Business Advisory Board (BAB).