Several US mayors visiting as part of an international mayoral conference in Jerusalem said on Thursday that they are eager to return home and encourage local hi-tech and biotechnology firms to forge relationships with the Israeli companies they toured.

"I did not understand coming in the extent of the biotech industries in this part of the world, and we also have an economy increasingly based on biotech and high-tech industries," said David Cieslewicz, mayor of Madison, Wisconsin, was quoted by The Associated Press as telling a luncheon marking the end of the four-day gathering.

The mayors said they were also very impressed with Israel's scientific achievements in the field of medicine.

During their visit, the 40 mayors from 30 nations also toured Jerusalem, held forums on the management of cities, and met with Israel's top leaders.