How are we organized?
The MIDC is a partnership of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Israel'­s Ministry of Industry and Trade, and The ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore. A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, it was established in 1992 as a result of the Declaration of Cooperation signed by then-Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer and Israel'­s Ambassador to the United States, Moshe Arad.

What do we do?
The MIDC acts as a "matchmaker" between Maryland and Israeli businesses. We identify market and technology opportunities for Maryland and Israeli companies to work together, and introduce the companies'­ executives.

How we do it?
The MIDC has three primary programs. The US/Israel Market Development Initiative prepares Israeli entrepreneurs to do business in the United States. The Israel Market Access Program helps Maryland companies find Israeli importers, distributors, as well as new technologies. The Fulbright-Maryland/Israel Development Center Scholars Program supports long-term research collaboration between Maryland and Israeli university scientists.

What'­s in it for us?
Job creation. The great Jewish philosopher Maimonides taught that the highest form of "tzedakah" or charity is to help people become self-sufficient. This is the guiding inspiration of the MIDC. We work to bring companies together to do more business, thereby increasing economic activity and creating jobs.

Why a focus on info tech and bioscience?
The MIDC helps companies in the full spectrum of industries. However, both Maryland and Israel are particularly strong in information technology and the life sciences, therefore more opportunities exist in these fields.