Israelis now eligible for E2 investor visa to the US

US President Barack Obama on Monday signed a law that adds Israel to the list of countries whose citizens are eligible to receive E2 investor visas.

Among those eligible for the investors' visa are businesspeople and representatives of companies who have made significant investments in the United States or opened businesses there.

Commercial Attache in Washington Ohad Cohen praised the new law, saying "We live in a world where investments are an important part of the ability to conduct trade and there is no doubt that the new law is an important step toward necessary improvements regarding visas, which will contribute to the expansion of trade between the (two) countries."

Between the years of 2000 and 2010, Israeli investments in the United States totaled $58.5 billion, placing Israel among the top 20 countries investing in the US, the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry said following the decision.

The United States is also the number one export market for Israel, the Industry, Trade and Labor Ministry noted. Exports to the US stood at $20 billion a year, the ministry said, including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, communications equipment, among other products.