A day after chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee released the Consular Corps publication showcasing a “resurgent Bengal” amidst a plethora of investment pledges, there’s more encouragement from overseas.

From agricultural inputs to telecom, precious stones to soccer, Israel is bullish on Bengal in many spheres, Israeli ambassador to India David Danieli said on Thursday. The ambassador, on his first visit to Calcutta after assuming charge in Delhi 10 months ago, is on a reconnoitre trip to explore possible areas of connection.

“I met the chief minister and he underlined gems and jewellery, agro-business, leather, IT, steel and iron ore as sectors where there could be joint ventures with Israel and we agree,” Danieli said. He also met former chief minister Jyoti Basu, governor Viren J. Shah, mayor Subrata Mukherjee and heads of chambers of commerce.

Stressing the need for a bigger volume of trade with Bengal, the ambassador said Israel could provide critical inputs in irrigation, quality seeds and post-harvesting techniques, besides structured training programmes from its research units.

Danieli also promised to bring a “top Israeli soccer club” to play some exhibition ties in town.