The Ministry of Economy and Industry is one of the most central of Israel’s government ministries, offering a wide variety of tools to stimulate economic growth, develop human potential and expand international trade. The Ministry works to maximize and improve the country’s human resources, regulate and enforce labor laws and initiate new legislation in the areas of employment, consumerism, international trade, education, research, development, safety, innovation and the price of living. The Ministry offers tools to encourage financial investments in the Israeli economy, as well as incentives for the employment of target populations such as the ultra-Orthodox (Haredim), minorities, single parents and people with disabilities. The Ministry is active in the following areas: • Increasing exports as a leading force for economic growth • Expanding investments in local industry • Conducting industrial research and development • Developing tools to assist industries, businesses and investors • Increasing consumer awareness and fair business practices • Developing human potential through vocational training and assistance with employment • Overseeing daycare for children ages 0-3 in order to encourage parents to be in the workforce • Enforcing labor laws and workplace safety and health regulations