Haim Shani. Photo: YouTube screenshot.

An Israeli businessman will be honored by Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday for building partnerships between the UK and Israel in the field of technology, Buckingham Palace announced.

Haim Shani, chairman of the UK Israel Tech Hub, will receive the Order of the British Empire by British Ambassador to Israel David Quarrey on behalf of the queen.

“Through his belief in the potential of collaboration between the UK and Israel, Haim has helped transform the tech partnership between the two countries,” Quarrey said. “We have benefited hugely from Haim’s experience and wisdom. I am grateful to Haim for his role in making the UK Israel Tech Hub a success and for pioneering this new form of economic diplomacy.”

The UK Israel Tech Hub, which operates out of the British Embassy in Israel, focuses on promoting technology and innovation partnerships between the two countries. Shani has been the chairman of the The Hub since its establishment in 2011 and during that time has overseen the delivery of 175 partnerships between UK and Israeli companies, according to The Jewish Chronicle.

“In a short time the UK Israel Tech Hub has created fruitful collaborations which carry great value both for the UK economy and Israeli innovation,” Shani said. “The fact that the Palace chose to award me with this honor demonstrates how important this initiative is for the UK, and I am grateful for that.”