1 Palestine Investment Conference 2010 Closing Session Summary ...

The presence of this large number of businessmen over the course of this conference, which is
convening for the second time in Bethlehem, the city of peace of love, and near the city of
Jerusalem, the place of journey for Mohammad, and I stand here today in this concluding session. I
go back to the memory of the year 2005 when we started to prepare for the first conference; there
was always a concern if investors would really come in Palestine when it is still under occupation.
The preparations were almost completed after we visited some countries, and there was
encouragement, and you all remember what happened after the year 2006. And so we decided to
hold the conference in 2008, two years ago. The surprise was in the large number of people who
attended the conference. There were many agreements and projects that were signed. And these
agreements that were signed two years ago are being implemented. For example the Rawabi City,
as work started in this city, as well as the Watania Company.
During the two days of this conference, after speaking to people from abroad, we asked them what
is the difference between the conference in 2008 and this second one. The answer was this one is
much better because we started to feel a lot of changes, particularly in the plans of the PA
Government, sensing an improvement in security, judiciary, and all the different sectors that are
crucial to investment.
There was a clearer focus for the conference members. This is a chance to meet each other and
assess needs and future projects. I call on all businessmen and colleagues from abroad.
There are a lot of possibilities in all the northern governorates. For example electricity, which is
imported from Israel. There are many, many projects. Of course there are some statistics and
information of the Palestinian products…which reach only 15% in this market. Also in the sector
of agriculture there are several opportunities and successes made possible.
As my colleague Jafar has already said, the investment law in Palestine, as this is another stimulus
for investors in Palestine. Come to Palestine and share with us the profits and the successes. The
question of stone and marble, we are proud we have factories that are considered ranking, leading
companies in the world. When we hear that the Palestinian stones have reached 60 countries
around the world, we know it takes defiance, struggle, and potential. I know you all have worked
hard over the past two days but I would like to thank all of you.
We also thank the Palestinian Investment Promotion Agency; I also thank all the members of the
Steering Committee, and all the partners of the private companies. I would also thank all those
who worked day and night to make this conference a reality.
- Mr. Jafar Hdaib:
One cannot thank oneself, our brothers, businessmen and participants from Gaza, who if any one
of them suffered for one minute then we suffer for hours…those who came from Gaza through the
way of convoy, and they are forced to go back at the same time in the same manner, these people
cannot be thanked enough, for they are the owners of this event.
But I must also thank and express my gratitude to the Gaza Strip Committee. And it is important to
thank the Jerusalem Committee headed by Mazen Sinokrot which is able to present a new
investment company with a capitol of 20 million dollars. I would like to thank the heads of these
committees.
We will do an accurate assessment of this conference. We have conducted a new strategy in
coordination with experts and this strategy that is Palestinian investment agency has adopted will
lead to a change in the drastic work of this agency. Following the outbreak of the Intifada, the
agency was only capable of giving incentives limited. But this gives it the chance to do whatever is
necessary in terms of doing follow up and planning and carrying out the strategy. The findings and
strategies, recommendation, and network will be disseminated. First I would like to express my
gratitude to CCC, PIF, PADICO, Palestinian Electricity Company, Paltel, Al Aqua Fund, USAID,
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