Ninety-six Israeli companies began operating in China last year, raising the total number 15 percent to 731, the Israel Export Institute said Tuesday. While industrial exports to China dropped 8% to $622 million in 2005, they are expected to rise 15% this year, the institute said. In 2005, food exports to China nearly doubled to $16.3m., metal products imports rose 55.5% to $50m., exports of engines and electronic equipment rose 48% to $6.3m., and chemical products exports rose 28% to $85m. Israeli industry has particular opportunity to expand in electronics and telecommunications, programming, conductors and semiconductors, chemicals, environmental technologies, packing, and plastics, the institute said.