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 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 30th, 2020. 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). History In 1921 the Association of Manufacturers and Employers was founded by a group of Jewish industrialists 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