Israel Bets on Jordan Valley for India-Europe Trade Corridor

Israel is transforming the Jordan Valley, near the border with Jordan, into a hub for agricultural, energy, and water technologies. This initiative aims to leverage the region's location and the ambitious "IMEC" trade corridor project, which seeks to connect India to Europe.

Key innovations include farming salmon in the hot climate, a seemingly counterintuitive endeavor. "Salmon of the Springs" company is pioneering this, aiming to produce 40 tons annually by simulating cold river conditions in controlled pools. The main challenge is economic viability, as cooling systems increase costs. Currently, their premium product targets affluent consumers and restaurants.

Another project, "Zoara," repurposes discarded dates, particularly Medjool, into alcoholic beverages like date brandy and gin. This initiative not only recycles agricultural waste but also revives a historical Middle Eastern tradition. The company produces tens of thousands of bottles yearly and has begun exporting to Japan, seeking to scale this unique product globally.

Collaboration with Jordan is central to the Jordan Valley's vision. "We have cooperation projects with the Jordanian side in energy and agriculture, in addition to working on a joint free trade zone project," stated Itamar Matiash, head of the Jordan Valley Regional Council. The shared environmental and climatic conditions on both sides of the Jordan Rift Valley facilitate knowledge exchange and joint ventures in water, energy, and agriculture, fostering economic interdependence and border stability.

The region is also developing a robust energy infrastructure, dubbed "Israel's Battery." This includes wind and solar power generation coupled with a large-scale electricity storage system using water reservoirs within a mountain. This system can meet grid demands during peak hours and potentially support energy-intensive future projects like AI data centers.

The Jordan Valley aims to be more than just a transit point for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Local officials envision it as a testing ground for new food, water, and energy technologies that can be developed and exported regionally. Dozens of local authorities in northern Israel are collaborating to enhance the region's role in IMEC-related plans, pushing for cross-border investments and projects.