30 apr 2013
Unemployment in Palestine Estimate at 23%, says Statistics Bureau
The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) issued in a press release, in the occasion of the Labor Day, the current status of the Palestinian labour force during 2012.
Participation of men in the labour force is four times higher than the participation of women
The participation rate in the labour force of persons aged 15 years and above in Palestine was 44% distributed as 69% for males and 17% for females. On West Bank level, the participation rate was 46%; 71% for males compared to 19 Gaza Strip, about 40% of persons participated in the labour force; as 65% for males and 15% for females.
High unemployment rates
The unemployment rate among participants aged 15 years and above in Palestine was 23% (About 256 thousand persons were unemployed); as of 21% for males and 33% for females). The unemployment rate in the West Bank was 19% ( about 141 thousand); as of 17% for males and 25% for females compared with 31% in Gaza Strip (115 thousand); as of 27% for males and 50% for females.
574 thousand of employed are employees
The number of wage employees in Palestine amounted to 574 thousand, of whom 307 thousand employed in the West Bank and 190 thousand employed in Gaza Strip; while 63 thousand employed in Israel and 14 thousand employed in Israeli settlements.
The Public Sector is the dominant employer in Gaza Strip
About 53% of wage employees in Palestine worked in the private sector compared with 34% employed by the public sector; while the percentage of workers in Israel and Israeli settlements reached 13%.
Regarding wage employees in the West Bank, more than half of them as about 55% worked in the private sector compared with 25% in the public sector and 20% work in Israel and Israeli settlements. The public sector was the largest employer in Gaza Strip with 52% compared with 48% in the private sector.
About one fifth of wage employees are poor:
About 22% of wage employees are poor in Palestine in 2011; 16% in the West Bank and 35% in Gaza Strip.
One forth of wage employees in the private sector work in technical and specialized occupations:
About 25% of wage employees work as professionals or technicians in Palestine; 17% for males and 66% for females. Moreover, 18% of wage employees in Palestine work in craft occupations; 21% for males and 4% for females.
On the other hand, about 18% of wage employees in Palestine received vocational training; 18% in the West Bank and 20% in Gaza Strip.
Low average real wages in the private sector:
The average daily real wage in Palestine was NIS 54 for both sexes males and females; NIS 60 in the West Bank (workers in Israel and Settlements are excluded) and 42 in Gaza Strip.
About the nominal wage, services sector in the private sector recorded the highest average daily wage at 105 NIS in the West Bank and NIS 94 in Gaza Strip, followed by transport and communication sector with NIS 95 in the West Bank and NIS 43 NIS in Gaza Strip. The agriculture sector recorded the lowest average daily wage at NIS 60 in the West Bank and NIS 24 in Gaza Strip.
The average weekly work week in hours in Palestine was 41 hours; distributed as 39 hours for employed persons in the public sector, 42 hours in the private sector.
About one forth of wage employees received retirement benefits
About 24% of wage employees received retirement or end of service benefits; while 25% received paid annual leave and paid annual sick leave. In addition, 54% of wage employees females received paid maternity leave.
More than 95% of wage employees in the public sector received most of work related benefits and privileges such as paid sick leave, annual leave, maternity leave,...etc.
Less than one third of wage employees in the private sector have work contract
28% of wage employees in the private sector have work contract in Palestine; 28% in the West Bank and 27% in Gaza Strip.
Less than one third of wage employees in the private sector are affiliated to labour or professional unions
29% of wage employees in Palestine were affiliated to labour or professional union; 16% in the West Bank and 59% in Gaza Strip.
Participation of men in the labour force is four times higher than the participation of women
The participation rate in the labour force of persons aged 15 years and above in Palestine was 44% distributed as 69% for males and 17% for females. On West Bank level, the participation rate was 46%; 71% for males compared to 19 Gaza Strip, about 40% of persons participated in the labour force; as 65% for males and 15% for females.
High unemployment rates
The unemployment rate among participants aged 15 years and above in Palestine was 23% (About 256 thousand persons were unemployed); as of 21% for males and 33% for females). The unemployment rate in the West Bank was 19% ( about 141 thousand); as of 17% for males and 25% for females compared with 31% in Gaza Strip (115 thousand); as of 27% for males and 50% for females.
574 thousand of employed are employees
The number of wage employees in Palestine amounted to 574 thousand, of whom 307 thousand employed in the West Bank and 190 thousand employed in Gaza Strip; while 63 thousand employed in Israel and 14 thousand employed in Israeli settlements.
The Public Sector is the dominant employer in Gaza Strip
About 53% of wage employees in Palestine worked in the private sector compared with 34% employed by the public sector; while the percentage of workers in Israel and Israeli settlements reached 13%.
Regarding wage employees in the West Bank, more than half of them as about 55% worked in the private sector compared with 25% in the public sector and 20% work in Israel and Israeli settlements. The public sector was the largest employer in Gaza Strip with 52% compared with 48% in the private sector.
About one fifth of wage employees are poor:
About 22% of wage employees are poor in Palestine in 2011; 16% in the West Bank and 35% in Gaza Strip.
One forth of wage employees in the private sector work in technical and specialized occupations:
About 25% of wage employees work as professionals or technicians in Palestine; 17% for males and 66% for females. Moreover, 18% of wage employees in Palestine work in craft occupations; 21% for males and 4% for females.
On the other hand, about 18% of wage employees in Palestine received vocational training; 18% in the West Bank and 20% in Gaza Strip.
Low average real wages in the private sector:
The average daily real wage in Palestine was NIS 54 for both sexes males and females; NIS 60 in the West Bank (workers in Israel and Settlements are excluded) and 42 in Gaza Strip.
About the nominal wage, services sector in the private sector recorded the highest average daily wage at 105 NIS in the West Bank and NIS 94 in Gaza Strip, followed by transport and communication sector with NIS 95 in the West Bank and NIS 43 NIS in Gaza Strip. The agriculture sector recorded the lowest average daily wage at NIS 60 in the West Bank and NIS 24 in Gaza Strip.
The average weekly work week in hours in Palestine was 41 hours; distributed as 39 hours for employed persons in the public sector, 42 hours in the private sector.
About one forth of wage employees received retirement benefits
About 24% of wage employees received retirement or end of service benefits; while 25% received paid annual leave and paid annual sick leave. In addition, 54% of wage employees females received paid maternity leave.
More than 95% of wage employees in the public sector received most of work related benefits and privileges such as paid sick leave, annual leave, maternity leave,...etc.
Less than one third of wage employees in the private sector have work contract
28% of wage employees in the private sector have work contract in Palestine; 28% in the West Bank and 27% in Gaza Strip.
Less than one third of wage employees in the private sector are affiliated to labour or professional unions
29% of wage employees in Palestine were affiliated to labour or professional union; 16% in the West Bank and 59% in Gaza Strip.
Authority of energy: We work hard to solve Gaza power crisis
The authority of energy and natural resources in Gaza said it is actively working on solving the electricity crisis through expanding the network and raising the power production.
Deputy head of the authority Fathi Khalil stated in the local televised show, an interview with an official, that there are endeavors to improve the distribution network and initiate a joint project with Egypt to expand the power grid in Gaza.
Khalil affirmed that there were talks lately between the authorities in Gaza and Egypt about this project, which needs almost one year to finish it before starting to supply Gaza with electricity from Egypt.
He affirmed that the power crisis in Gaza is not only caused by fuel, but also by the insufficient amount of power generated by the electricity plant, so the authority intends to execute plans to increase the power production, including the establishment of a gas-fired power station.
The official also called on the European union to necessarily refinance the fuel needs of the Gaza power plant and urged the Egyptian authorities to release the remaining fuel shipments that were sent last year by Qatar.
Deputy head of the authority Fathi Khalil stated in the local televised show, an interview with an official, that there are endeavors to improve the distribution network and initiate a joint project with Egypt to expand the power grid in Gaza.
Khalil affirmed that there were talks lately between the authorities in Gaza and Egypt about this project, which needs almost one year to finish it before starting to supply Gaza with electricity from Egypt.
He affirmed that the power crisis in Gaza is not only caused by fuel, but also by the insufficient amount of power generated by the electricity plant, so the authority intends to execute plans to increase the power production, including the establishment of a gas-fired power station.
The official also called on the European union to necessarily refinance the fuel needs of the Gaza power plant and urged the Egyptian authorities to release the remaining fuel shipments that were sent last year by Qatar.
28 apr 2013
FPJ slams PA for imposing news blackout on its corruption
The forum of Palestinian journalists (FPJ) criticized the Palestinian media for ignoring the report that was issued by the coalition for accountability and transparency-Aman on the corruption rampant in the Palestinian authority institutions in the West Bank.
In a press release on Saturday, the forum denounced the PA for hastening to impose a new blackout on this report.
It stressed that banning the media from dealing with this report constituted a serious violation of freedom of the press and the right of the Palestinian citizens to know the truth.
The forum affirmed that the report underlined many corruption issues related to the embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, the abuse of public office and many other financial and administrative violations as well as it documented some of the arrests and violations that happened to journalists in 2013 in the West Bank.
"The PA should hold accountable and prosecute those responsible for these issues, instead of taking arbitrary decisions by ignoring the report and the serious facts it has included," the forum stated.
The forum urged the Palestinian media not to submit to the policy of media blackout and mouth muzzling pursued by the PA, and to set themselves free of fears through exposing the violations committed against the journalists in the West Bank.
In a press release on Saturday, the forum denounced the PA for hastening to impose a new blackout on this report.
It stressed that banning the media from dealing with this report constituted a serious violation of freedom of the press and the right of the Palestinian citizens to know the truth.
The forum affirmed that the report underlined many corruption issues related to the embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, the abuse of public office and many other financial and administrative violations as well as it documented some of the arrests and violations that happened to journalists in 2013 in the West Bank.
"The PA should hold accountable and prosecute those responsible for these issues, instead of taking arbitrary decisions by ignoring the report and the serious facts it has included," the forum stated.
The forum urged the Palestinian media not to submit to the policy of media blackout and mouth muzzling pursued by the PA, and to set themselves free of fears through exposing the violations committed against the journalists in the West Bank.
27 apr 2013
Official: Gaza domestic-use gas crisis unresolved
The Gaza Strip’s domestic-use gas crisis has been ongoing for about four months, a Gaza official said Saturday.
During this period, the Gaza Strip has been receiving 120 tons of domestic-use gas everyday five days a week, says Abdul-Nasser Muhanna, the director general of the petroleum department in Gaza.
He highlighted that the coastal enclave needed 250 tons every day.
Muhanna added that the Kerem Shalom crossing isn’t equipped to cope with bigger quantities of gas.
During this period, the Gaza Strip has been receiving 120 tons of domestic-use gas everyday five days a week, says Abdul-Nasser Muhanna, the director general of the petroleum department in Gaza.
He highlighted that the coastal enclave needed 250 tons every day.
Muhanna added that the Kerem Shalom crossing isn’t equipped to cope with bigger quantities of gas.
22 apr 2013
Gunmen open fire at Jerusalem Electricity Company
Unidentified gunmen opened fire on Sunday at the Jerusalem Electricity Company's office in Eizariya, east Jerusalem, a source said.
JEC said it was taking the necessary steps to protect its employees from violence.
This is the second attack against the office in April, after an employee was shot at in the JEC's Ramallah and al-Bireh office.
JEC said it was taking the necessary steps to protect its employees from violence.
This is the second attack against the office in April, after an employee was shot at in the JEC's Ramallah and al-Bireh office.
21 apr 2013
Khudari: Arab, Islamic promises to finance rehabilitation of Gaza harbor
Dr. Jamal Al-Khudari, the head of the anti-siege committee in Gaza, has said that Arab and Islamic parties had promised to finance the rehabilitation of Gaza sea harbor.
He said in a press release on Sunday that the process would allow the functioning of the harbor as a commercial one to be operated under supervision of Turkey as his committee had proposed in the event its proposal was accepted.
Khudari, an independent MP, hoped that Turkey would prioritize this proposal as part of its conditions in order to restore normal relations with Israel.
He said that opening a commercial sea harbor is one of the main conditions for lifting the siege on Gaza.
The MP said that his committee would continue to expose Israel’s violations regarding the Gaza blockade.
The committee had proposed opening a sea route between Gaza and Turkey via which goods could be imported and exported between Gaza and the rest of the world.
He said in a press release on Sunday that the process would allow the functioning of the harbor as a commercial one to be operated under supervision of Turkey as his committee had proposed in the event its proposal was accepted.
Khudari, an independent MP, hoped that Turkey would prioritize this proposal as part of its conditions in order to restore normal relations with Israel.
He said that opening a commercial sea harbor is one of the main conditions for lifting the siege on Gaza.
The MP said that his committee would continue to expose Israel’s violations regarding the Gaza blockade.
The committee had proposed opening a sea route between Gaza and Turkey via which goods could be imported and exported between Gaza and the rest of the world.
14 apr 2013
Zaza: $250 million economic losses per month due to the siege on Gaza
Ziad Zaza, Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister, stressed that the occupation still imposes its siege on the Palestinian people in Gaza for the seventh year running.
Zaza said during the weekly TV program "Meeting with an Official" that the Israeli occupation and the U.S. administration have been trying to isolate the Palestinian people in Gaza from the rest of the world, noting that the occupation has recently closed the crossings for 16 consecutive days.
He also pointed that the occupation still prevents the movement of funds to and from the Strip, in addition to preventing the importation and exportation of goods.
He revealed that Gaza economy incurs nearly $250 million of losses per month, due to the siege, which has almost caused a serious economic crisis.
He noted that the goods allowed into the Gaza Strip through the crossings cover only 35 to 50 percent of the residents' needs.
The Deputy Prime Minister demanded the world community and the United States to pressure the occupation to pay compensation for the losses, which amounted to 2 billion and $570 million during the Furqan war and exceeded one billion and 200 million dollars during the Shale Stones war.
Zaza said during the weekly TV program "Meeting with an Official" that the Israeli occupation and the U.S. administration have been trying to isolate the Palestinian people in Gaza from the rest of the world, noting that the occupation has recently closed the crossings for 16 consecutive days.
He also pointed that the occupation still prevents the movement of funds to and from the Strip, in addition to preventing the importation and exportation of goods.
He revealed that Gaza economy incurs nearly $250 million of losses per month, due to the siege, which has almost caused a serious economic crisis.
He noted that the goods allowed into the Gaza Strip through the crossings cover only 35 to 50 percent of the residents' needs.
The Deputy Prime Minister demanded the world community and the United States to pressure the occupation to pay compensation for the losses, which amounted to 2 billion and $570 million during the Furqan war and exceeded one billion and 200 million dollars during the Shale Stones war.
13 apr 2013
Gaza farmers burn tonnes of basil, mint after Israel border shut
Palestinian farmers in Gaza began destroying three tonnes of herbs on Saturday, saying a prolonged closure of the crossing into Israel meant the plants were no longer fit for export to Europe.
Last October, Israel lifted a five-year ban on the lucrative export of Gazan herbs and spices, imposed after Hamas won elections in the coastal enclave, and farmers had hoped to cash in with their latest crop of mint and basil.
But Israel shut its sole commercial crossing into the isolated Palestinian territory last Monday, allowing only a brief reopening on Friday to enable the import of certain goods.
Farmers said the closure came just as they were preparing to harvest two tonnes of mint and a tonne of basil, adding that the herbs were now past their prime for the European market.
"It was too late and we regret that we have had to throw away the farmers' harvest," Jamal Abu Naja, director of Gaza's communal agriculture association, told Reuters. "Repeated closures are threatening this hopeful project."
The Palestinian economy is bound closely to Israel's through infrastructure and has few foreign trading partners. Israel's embargo around Gaza and its security restrictions in the occupied West Bank limit Palestinians' ability to compete in export markets and contribute to an unemployment rate of almost 25 percent, the World Bank said last month.
Abu Naja urged farmers to take advantage of the decision to lift the curb last year, pointing to high demand in Europe for spices and herbs, with traders paying $26 a kilo for the Palestinian produce against $0.27 on the home market.
Some 15 tonnes of spices have been exported since January, but the latest crop was mowed down on Saturday and will be burnt after it has dried in the sun, farmers said.
"It took a month to grow this mint and if you don't export it at the right time, you have to burn it because there is very little local consumption," Abu Naja said.
To date, some 30 dunam (7.4 acres) have been turned over to herbs, including 20 inside the former Israeli settlement of Gush Katif, from which Israel pulled settlers and soldiers in 2005.
Some 40 Palestinian men and women who used to work in the settlements were the backbone of the current planting teams.
"We chose 40 people, including seven women, who had good experience in order to assure success. Settlers had mainly depended on planting spices when they were here," Abu Naja said.
Unlike other produce that Israel allows to be exported to Europe, such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes and flowers, spices can be planted and exported the year round.
Last October, Israel lifted a five-year ban on the lucrative export of Gazan herbs and spices, imposed after Hamas won elections in the coastal enclave, and farmers had hoped to cash in with their latest crop of mint and basil.
But Israel shut its sole commercial crossing into the isolated Palestinian territory last Monday, allowing only a brief reopening on Friday to enable the import of certain goods.
Farmers said the closure came just as they were preparing to harvest two tonnes of mint and a tonne of basil, adding that the herbs were now past their prime for the European market.
"It was too late and we regret that we have had to throw away the farmers' harvest," Jamal Abu Naja, director of Gaza's communal agriculture association, told Reuters. "Repeated closures are threatening this hopeful project."
The Palestinian economy is bound closely to Israel's through infrastructure and has few foreign trading partners. Israel's embargo around Gaza and its security restrictions in the occupied West Bank limit Palestinians' ability to compete in export markets and contribute to an unemployment rate of almost 25 percent, the World Bank said last month.
Abu Naja urged farmers to take advantage of the decision to lift the curb last year, pointing to high demand in Europe for spices and herbs, with traders paying $26 a kilo for the Palestinian produce against $0.27 on the home market.
Some 15 tonnes of spices have been exported since January, but the latest crop was mowed down on Saturday and will be burnt after it has dried in the sun, farmers said.
"It took a month to grow this mint and if you don't export it at the right time, you have to burn it because there is very little local consumption," Abu Naja said.
To date, some 30 dunam (7.4 acres) have been turned over to herbs, including 20 inside the former Israeli settlement of Gush Katif, from which Israel pulled settlers and soldiers in 2005.
Some 40 Palestinian men and women who used to work in the settlements were the backbone of the current planting teams.
"We chose 40 people, including seven women, who had good experience in order to assure success. Settlers had mainly depended on planting spices when they were here," Abu Naja said.
Unlike other produce that Israel allows to be exported to Europe, such as strawberries, cherry tomatoes and flowers, spices can be planted and exported the year round.
Rafati: Israel's closure of Karam Abu Salem crossing causes huge losses
Palestinian minister of economy in Gaza Ala Al-Rafati said that Israel's closure of Karam Abu Salem crossing in southern Gaza causes direct losses amounting to half a million dollars every day. In a statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC), Rafati explained that the indirect losses are double the direct losses as a result of the closure of Karam Abu Salem crossing
He added that the Palestinian businessmen and contractors also fail to conduct their transactions on time due to the delayed delivery of their shipments of goods, which are stranded at the Israeli side of the crossing.
He noted that the crossing was closed before all types of goods, affirming that it was not the first time the Israeli regime closed this crossing.
The minister stressed that the Palestinians in Gaza meet their needs through the tunnels in Rafah area and cannot depend on the Israeli-controlled crossings, which are closed repeatedly.
For its part, the popular committee against the siege said that the Israeli regime has been closing Karam Abu Salem crossing for the sixth day because its opening for four hours on Friday was not enough.
The committee stated in a press release on Saturday that the Israeli regime allowed into Gaza only 130 trucks out of 1,300 still stranded at the crossing.
Head of the committee Jamal Al-Khudari described Israel's policy to close Karam Abu Salem crossing repeatedly for long days as very detrimental to the Palestinian economy in Gaza.
Khudari expressed his belief that Israel tries to mislead the international community when it opens Karam Abu Salem crossing for a few days, asserting that his committee sent a letter to the Red Cross to urge it to assume its role in exposing Israel's inhumane blockade on Gaza.
He added that the Palestinian businessmen and contractors also fail to conduct their transactions on time due to the delayed delivery of their shipments of goods, which are stranded at the Israeli side of the crossing.
He noted that the crossing was closed before all types of goods, affirming that it was not the first time the Israeli regime closed this crossing.
The minister stressed that the Palestinians in Gaza meet their needs through the tunnels in Rafah area and cannot depend on the Israeli-controlled crossings, which are closed repeatedly.
For its part, the popular committee against the siege said that the Israeli regime has been closing Karam Abu Salem crossing for the sixth day because its opening for four hours on Friday was not enough.
The committee stated in a press release on Saturday that the Israeli regime allowed into Gaza only 130 trucks out of 1,300 still stranded at the crossing.
Head of the committee Jamal Al-Khudari described Israel's policy to close Karam Abu Salem crossing repeatedly for long days as very detrimental to the Palestinian economy in Gaza.
Khudari expressed his belief that Israel tries to mislead the international community when it opens Karam Abu Salem crossing for a few days, asserting that his committee sent a letter to the Red Cross to urge it to assume its role in exposing Israel's inhumane blockade on Gaza.
11 apr 2013
Palestinian Businesses Go Global with UK Support
The UK is to help Palestinian businesses break in to new regional and international markets in a drive to boost economic growth, International Development Minister Alan Duncan announced Wednesday during a visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).
Speaking to an audience of Palestinian business people at the Hebron Chamber of Commerce, Mr Duncan set out details of a new £15 million Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP). By helping Palestinian firms develop new products and target new markets, it will provide a business boost that is set to generate at least £40 million in additional attributable sales by 2019.
This announcement builds on the success of previous DFID support for the Palestinian private sector – the Facility for New Market Development Programme – which has helped hundreds of businesses turn over £80 million in sales and exports, enter 87 new export markets, develop 129 new products, create 3,400 jobs and increase their exports by 52 per cent.
"I have seen first-hand the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of the Palestinian people, who we already support to produce everything from radio stations to furniture and smartphone software to chocolate," said Alan Duncan said, "It is economic growth and job creation that will allow Palestinians to lift themselves out of poverty and create a more prosperous, stable future – and this is something the British people can be proud to support."
He addedm, "This latest boost for Palestinian businesses from the UK is set to generate tens of millions of additional sales in the coming years. Now I call on the Palestinian diaspora to help us go one step further, by seizing the opportunities available to them to open up new overseas markets, take advantage of inward investment opportunities and share both their business know-how and technology with the OPTs."
Specific initiatives under the new Palestinian Market Development Programme include:
· providing 'matched' grants equal to the investment from Palestinian firms and consortia in developing new products, services and processes and in entering new markets;
· market analysis to identify how specific markets operate, causes of underperformance, ways to address this and specific investment opportunities;
· support for promoting goods, commercial representation, consultation and training; and
· technical assistance to key market institutions to encourage and support foreign and local investment.
The programme is specifically geared towards helping to reduce the risks associated with business development in a fragile context such as the OPTs and is a key part of the UK's wider efforts to support Palestinian state building, tackle poverty and unemployment and boost stability.
It will also mobilise the Palestinian diaspora in support of economic development by creating member networks, helping to develop business-to-business outreach strategies and encouraging expertise sharing through mentoring initiatives and 'start-up weekends'.
it's worth mentioning that the UK funding for the programme is £11 million, with a planned further £4.3 million provided by the European Union.
Speaking to an audience of Palestinian business people at the Hebron Chamber of Commerce, Mr Duncan set out details of a new £15 million Palestinian Market Development Programme (PMDP). By helping Palestinian firms develop new products and target new markets, it will provide a business boost that is set to generate at least £40 million in additional attributable sales by 2019.
This announcement builds on the success of previous DFID support for the Palestinian private sector – the Facility for New Market Development Programme – which has helped hundreds of businesses turn over £80 million in sales and exports, enter 87 new export markets, develop 129 new products, create 3,400 jobs and increase their exports by 52 per cent.
"I have seen first-hand the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of the Palestinian people, who we already support to produce everything from radio stations to furniture and smartphone software to chocolate," said Alan Duncan said, "It is economic growth and job creation that will allow Palestinians to lift themselves out of poverty and create a more prosperous, stable future – and this is something the British people can be proud to support."
He addedm, "This latest boost for Palestinian businesses from the UK is set to generate tens of millions of additional sales in the coming years. Now I call on the Palestinian diaspora to help us go one step further, by seizing the opportunities available to them to open up new overseas markets, take advantage of inward investment opportunities and share both their business know-how and technology with the OPTs."
Specific initiatives under the new Palestinian Market Development Programme include:
· providing 'matched' grants equal to the investment from Palestinian firms and consortia in developing new products, services and processes and in entering new markets;
· market analysis to identify how specific markets operate, causes of underperformance, ways to address this and specific investment opportunities;
· support for promoting goods, commercial representation, consultation and training; and
· technical assistance to key market institutions to encourage and support foreign and local investment.
The programme is specifically geared towards helping to reduce the risks associated with business development in a fragile context such as the OPTs and is a key part of the UK's wider efforts to support Palestinian state building, tackle poverty and unemployment and boost stability.
It will also mobilise the Palestinian diaspora in support of economic development by creating member networks, helping to develop business-to-business outreach strategies and encouraging expertise sharing through mentoring initiatives and 'start-up weekends'.
it's worth mentioning that the UK funding for the programme is £11 million, with a planned further £4.3 million provided by the European Union.
5 apr 2013
EU Contributes €11.75M to the Palestinian Authority
The European Union contributed €11.75 million to the payment of the March salaries and pensions of around 76,000 Palestinian civil servants and pensioners in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the European Commission said in a press release.
"The funding provided by the European Union today illustrates our strong continuing commitment to the establishment of a future Palestinian state" said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. "The PA needs a predictable, steady flow of assistance that helps it to meet its obligations towards ordinary Palestinians.
We trust that in the upcoming months, the PA will overcome the financial difficulties that it has faced and continue to sustain the achievements accomplished so far", the EU Representative added.
This contribution is channeled through the PEGASE mechanism (an instrument to channel EU and international assistance as a contribution to the building of the Palestinian State), which supports the Palestinian National Development Plan by helping the PA to finance its budget deficit and implement its reform agenda; meet its obligations towards civil employees, pensioners and most vulnerable citizens, and maintain the functioning of the administration and the provision of essential public services to the population.
"The funding provided by the European Union today illustrates our strong continuing commitment to the establishment of a future Palestinian state" said the EU Representative Mr. John Gatt-Rutter. "The PA needs a predictable, steady flow of assistance that helps it to meet its obligations towards ordinary Palestinians.
We trust that in the upcoming months, the PA will overcome the financial difficulties that it has faced and continue to sustain the achievements accomplished so far", the EU Representative added.
This contribution is channeled through the PEGASE mechanism (an instrument to channel EU and international assistance as a contribution to the building of the Palestinian State), which supports the Palestinian National Development Plan by helping the PA to finance its budget deficit and implement its reform agenda; meet its obligations towards civil employees, pensioners and most vulnerable citizens, and maintain the functioning of the administration and the provision of essential public services to the population.
4 apr 2013
Industrial Production Index Decreases in February 2013, says Statistics
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) said in a press release that the overall Quantity of Industrial Production Index (IPI) in the Palestinian Territory decreased by 8.13% in February compared to the previous month, a press release by the .
The decreased was due to decline in the water and electricity supply industry, which has a share of 14.85% from the total industry, by 16.72% compared to the previous month.
Mining and quarrying industry increased by 1.59%, forming a share of 4.59% of the total industry, added PCBS.
The decreased was due to decline in the water and electricity supply industry, which has a share of 14.85% from the total industry, by 16.72% compared to the previous month.
Mining and quarrying industry increased by 1.59%, forming a share of 4.59% of the total industry, added PCBS.
1 apr 2013
Growth in GDP at Constant Prices During the 4th Quarter 2012, says Statistics
Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) announced in a press release the preliminary estimates at constant prices, which showed an increase of 5.9 percent in GDP in Palestine* for the year 2012 compared to the year 2011, and it showed an increase of 5.3 percent in GDP in Palestine* during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011, and it showed an increase of 1.5 percent at constant prices compared to the 3rd quarter 2012, noting that the base year is 2004.
In West Bank,* GDP increased by 5.9 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011. In Gaza Strip, GDP increased by 3.5 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011. GDP for the 4th quarter 2012 at constant prices was USD 1,303 million for West Bank* and USD 430 million for Gaza Strip. Gross Domestic Product Per Capita
GDP per Capita for Palestine* at constant prices was USD 1,679 for the year 2012, it increased by 2.7 percent for the year 2012 compared to the year 2011, and it was USD 424 during the 4th quarter 2012, it showed an increase of 2.1 percent compared to the 4th quarter 2011.
As for West Bank* at constant prices it was USD 537 during the 4th quarter 2012, it showed an increase by 3.1 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011, and for Gaza Strip was USD 258 during the 4th quarter 2012, and it showed a decline by 0.1 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the parallel quarter 2011.
* The data excludes those parts ofJerusalemwhich were annexed byIsraelin 1967.
In West Bank,* GDP increased by 5.9 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011. In Gaza Strip, GDP increased by 3.5 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011. GDP for the 4th quarter 2012 at constant prices was USD 1,303 million for West Bank* and USD 430 million for Gaza Strip. Gross Domestic Product Per Capita
GDP per Capita for Palestine* at constant prices was USD 1,679 for the year 2012, it increased by 2.7 percent for the year 2012 compared to the year 2011, and it was USD 424 during the 4th quarter 2012, it showed an increase of 2.1 percent compared to the 4th quarter 2011.
As for West Bank* at constant prices it was USD 537 during the 4th quarter 2012, it showed an increase by 3.1 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the 4th quarter 2011, and for Gaza Strip was USD 258 during the 4th quarter 2012, and it showed a decline by 0.1 percent during the 4th quarter 2012 compared to the parallel quarter 2011.
* The data excludes those parts ofJerusalemwhich were annexed byIsraelin 1967.
