PIC Agenda_English - Palestine Investment Conference.

Bethlehem, May 21-23 2008
Partners For Change
Conference Agenda
2008
WWW.PIC-PALESTINE.PS

Bethlehem, May 21-23 2008
Partners For Change
Conference Agenda
2008
WWW.PIC-PALESTINE.PS

Introduction
We are pleased to welcome you to Bethlehem for the Palestine Investment Conference
2008 - the first event of its kind ever held here in Palestine.
We look forward to opening our doors, extending our hospitality and challenging your
perception of our homeland. We think you will be surprised to see what Palestine
has to offer.
In December 2007 the international donor community committed US$7.7 billion
toward to a comprehensive three-year development and rehabilitation plan for Palestine.
Seizing the momentum created by this, plans for holding a Palestine Investment
Conference –first mooted for 2006- were revived.
PIC-Palestine is a milestone event, the first step toward a continuous process of
profiling investment opportunities in Palestine. It is a platform to share innovative
business ideas, forge genuine partnerships between Palestinian entrepreneurs and their
Arab and international counterparts, and encourage a developing relationship between
Palestine’s public and private sectors – all aimed at diversifying and reinforcing the
Palestinian economy.
Only through true partnership with our Arab, regional and international supporters
will we be able to achieve sustainable economic growth – a key ingredient for a
sustainable peace. Your participation demonstrates your support for sustainable peace
and prosperity in Palestine.
PIC-Palestine will introduce you to a different face of Palestine: a Palestine with
opportunities for investment and potential for reasonable rates of return. Returns will
not just be financial – your investment in Palestine is an investment in our future.
Palestine is open for business.
We invite you to partner with us as we drive forward change and plan for the future
of Palestine.
We greatly value your participation in this conference and hope to welcome you back soon.
Mohammad Kamal Hassouneh
Minister of National Economy,
Chairman of fOrganizing ii Committee
Dr. Hasan Abu-Libdeh
CEO,
PIC-Palestine

Conference Agenda
Wednesday, 21 May 2008 (Jacir Palace Hotel)
3:30pm-5:30pm
7:00pm-8:00pm
8:30pm-10:30pm
Opening Plenary: Partners For Change
Opening of the “ Best of Palestine” Exhibition
(Convention Center)
Welcome Reception
Thursday, 22 May 2008 (Convention Center)
9:00am-10:30am
10:30am-11:00am
11:00am-12:30pm
Open Session on Business Environment
Investing in Palestine: Perceptions, Realities and
Opportunities
Coffee break and networking
Concurrent Sectoral Sessions
Session 1A: Financing Opportunities and Stimulating
Growth
A discussion of financial sector opportunities
Session 1B: Investing in Palestine’s Treasures
A discussion of tourism sector opportunities
Session 1C: Cultivating Palestine
A discussion of agriculture and agribusiness sector opportunities
12:30pm-2:00pm
2:00pm-3:15pm
3:15-4:00pm
Lunch and networking
Open Session on Gaza, Revitalizing Gaza
Coffee break and networking
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4:00pm-5:30pm
Concurrent Sectoral Sessions
Session 2A: Digital Bridge to the Future
A discussion of ICT sector opportunities
Session 2B: Foundations for Growth
A discussion of infrastructure, real estate, and construction
opportunities
Session 2C: Producing for Growth
A discussion of manufacturing opportunities
8:30pm-11.00pm
A Taste of Palestine: Cultural night & dinner (Nativity Square)
Friday, 23 May 2008 (Convention Center)
8:30am-9:45am
Open Session on East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem: Untapped Potential
9:45am-10:00am Coffee break and networking
10:00am-11:15am
11:30am-6:00pm
Closing Plenary - Palestine: a Continuing Partnership
Jerusalem, Friday Prayers, lunch and tour of the Old City
(Optional)
Other Social Networking Activities
Tusday, 20 May 2008 (7:00pm - 11:00pm) , Ramallah:
Reception, Dinner and music (Invitation & registration-optional)
Friday, 23 May 2008 (6:00pm - 11:00pm), Hebron:
Tour an dinner (Registration-optional)
Friday, 23 May 2008 (6:30pm - 11:00pm), Nablus:
Tour an dinner (Invitation & registration-optional)
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Session Descriptors
Wednesday, 21 May 2008 (Jacir Palace Hotel)
3:30PM-5:30PM Opening Plenary∫ Partners For Change
(MC: Ms. Mayssoun Azzam, Presenter, Al-Arabiyya)
Opening:
• President Mahmoud Abbas
President of the Palestinian National Authority
Speakers
• H.E. Minister Mohamed Kamal Hassouneh
Chairman of the Steering Committee of PIC-Palestine
• Mr. Mohamed Al-Hirbawi
Head of the Private Sector Coordination Council
• Mr. Salah Al-Ta’mari
Head of the Local Organizing Committee of PIC-Palestine
• H.H. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan
UAE
• Mr. Douglas Alexander
Secretary of State for International Development, UK
• H.E. Amer Al-Hadidi
Minister of Industry and Trade, Jordan
• Ms. Ewa Bjorling
Minister of Trade, Sweden
• Mr. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu
Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
• Mr. Robert Kimmitt
Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, USA
• Mr. Alexander Saltanov
Deputy Minister of Foreign Assistance, Russia
• Mr. Tomas Dupla del Moral
Director for Middle East and South Mediterranean, European
Commission
• Mr. Shinsuke Sugiyama
Deputy DG, Middle East and Africa Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan
• Mr. Sun Bi Gan
Ambassador, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China
• H.E. Tony Blair
Quartet Representative
• H.E. Dr. Hassan Abu-Libdeh
C.E.O., PIC-Palestine
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Thursday, 22 May 2008 (Convention Center)
9:00am-10:30am
Open Session on Business Environment
Investing in Palestine: Perceptions, Realities and
Opportunities
Prime Minister Fayyad will lead a panel discussion of experts exploring
the perceptions and realities of doing business in Palestine.
This session will provide an honest and frank assessment of
the opportunities and challenges that exist for foreign and local
investors in Palestine. It will address the common perceptions of
Palestine and respond to them from the perspective of potential
investors and successful business leaders. Key themes will include
the “pluses and minuses” of doing business in Palestine, with an
emphasis on success stories and concrete opportunities. It will
emphasize some of the most important strengths of Palestine,
including the entrepreneurial spirit and youthful, skilled, and
educated workforce. The Prime Minister will conclude with
a statement of his own vision and commitment to creating a
welcoming and supportive framework for foreign investment.
Speakers:
• Salam Fayyad
Prime Minister, Palestine
• Tony Blair
Quartet Rrepresentative to the Middle East
• Juan-Jose Daboub
Managing Director, World Bank
• Amer Hadidi
Minister of Industry and Trade, Jordan
• Ronald Cohen
Chairman, The Portland Trust - UK
• Mounib Masri
Chairman Palestinian Development and Investment Co.-Padico,
Palestine
• Walter Isaacson
President &CEO, Aspen Institute,USA
10:30-11:00am
Coffee break and networking
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11:00am-12:30pm
Concurrent Sectoral Sessions
Session 1A: Financing Opportunities and Stimulating
Growth
A discussion of financial sector opportunities
The financial sector is a key enabler of growth in all other sectors.
This panel discussion will provide participants with an overview
of today’s financial sector, including a discussion of existing
products and services, as well as areas of unmet need. In addition,
it will explain the existing legal and regulatory structure of the
sector. Panellists will include representatives from Palestinian
financial institutions, the donor community, and the Palestinian
regulatory authority. The panel will discuss how current gaps in
the financial infrastructure may present new opportunities for
potential investors. The panel will be prepared to field questions
on a range of issues of concern to potential investors including
constraints on international movement of funds and legal and
regulatory requirements.
Speakers:
• Yvon LeRoux
Vice President, CISCO, USA
• Ibrahim Dabdoub
CEO, National Bank of Kuwait, Kuwait
• Hashim Shawwa
General Manager, Bank of Palestine, Palestine
• Michael Essex
Director of the Middle East & North Africa , International Finance
Corporation (IFC), USA
• Jihad El-Wazir
Governor ,Palestine Monitory Authority, Palestine
• Robert Mosbacher
President & CEO, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, USA
Session 1B: Investing in Palestine’s Treasures
A discussion of tourism sector opportunities
Palestine is endowed with unparalleled historic, cultural, and
religious sites in a setting of incredible natural beauty. This panel
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discussion will provide participants with an overview of the
tourism sector, including strengths, weaknesses, opportunities
and threats. The sector will be examined from the perspective
of a potential international investor and a successful business
currently active in tourism. Panellists will also discuss donor and
government programs and incentives to support investment in
the sector. Several specific tourism projects will be presented to
illustrate the kinds of opportunities that exist today. The session
will close with a question and answer period.
Speakers:
• Maen Al-Nsour
CEO, Jordan Investment Board, Jordan
• Yousef Daher
General Manager, Arab Hotel Association, Palestine
• Don Pressley
Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton, USA
• Sami Abu Dayyeh
Managing Director, Ambassador Hotel, Palestine
• Kholoud Du’aibes
Minister of Tourism, Palestine
Session 1C: Cultivating Palestine
A discussion of agriculture and agribusiness
sector opportunities
This is an industry in which Palestine has natural advantages
in terms of climate and skilled labor. A panel discussion will
provide participants with an overview of the agricultural sector
as it exists today and its potential for growth. Experts will provide
current data and trends on agricultural and agribusiness. Potential
international investors will discuss what they look for and how
they evaluate opportunities. A successful local business will talk
about the reality of doing business in Palestine. Panellists will
cover the range of government and donor programs that are
currently available to support businesses in this sector. Several
projects will be presented to illustrate the kinds of opportunities
available in the agricultural sector. This session will close with a
question and answer period to cover such issues as movement
and transit of goods and product certification.
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Speakers:
• Salem Al-Lozi
Director,General Arab Organization for Agricultural Development,
Sudan
• Walid Abed Rabboh
Director General, Horizon For Sustainable Development, Palestine
• Ismail Daiq
Chairman, Palestinian Agricultural Committees (PARC), Palestine
• Nabil Fawaz
Global Head, Agribusiness Manufacturing & Services MIGA, USA
• Imad Qamhawi
Director of the Valley Project Holy Land Co., Palestine
• Howard Sumka
Mission Director for West Bank and Gaza, USAID
12:30pm-2:00pm
2:00pm-3:15pm
Lunch and networking
Open Session on Gaza
Revitalizing Gaza
Gaza has a history as a successful and vibrant commercial
center. This session will help participants understand the scope
of opportunity in Gaza and explore creative ways to prepare
for Gaza’s future. The panel discussion will focus on economic
and not political issues. Panellists will consider priorities for
immediately establishing operations in Gaza when that becomes
possible and will discuss creative and innovative suggestions
to revitalize the economy. The panel will present some key
infrastructure projects and discuss how they could be structured
for private sector participation. The panel session will close with
a question and answer period.
Speakers:
• Salam Fayyad
Prime Minister, Palestine
• Samir Abdullah
Minister of Planning, Palestine
• Ma’moun Abu Shahla
Vice President , Bank of Palestine, Palestine
• Mohammad Yazegi
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Chairman, Al-Yaziji Group, Palestine
• Hanan Taha
Gaza Branch Manager, Palestine Trade Center, Palestine
• Sami Abdel Shafi
General Manager, Emerge Consulting Group, Palestine
4:00pm-5:30pm
Concurrent Sectoral Sessions
Session 2A: Digital Bridge to the Future
A discussion of ICT sector opportunities
This session will focus on the tremendous potential ICT has
to contribute to Palestine’s economic and social development.
The panel discussion will provide participants with an overview
of this sector, including an honest and frank assessment of the
opportunities and challenges that exist. Panellists will examine the
sector from the perspectives of a potential foreign investor and a
successful local ICT business. An important part of the discussion
will focus on the potential to spur competition, innovation, and
growth through further liberalization of the telecommunications
market. The session will highlight several potential investment
opportunities and close with a question and answer period.
Speakers:
• Karim Kawar President
Kawar Group of Companies, Jordan
• William Swope
G.M. ,Corporate Affairs, INTEL, USA
• Ala’ Alaeddin
Chairman, Palestinian IT Association of Companies (PITA),
Palestine
• Andre Hawit
Vice President ,IDS Software Systems, USA
• Ammar Al-Aker
General Manager, Palestine’s Cellular Communications Co. “Jawwal”,
Palestine
• Sabri Saidam
Leader of Birzeit Innovation Group, Palestine
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Session 2B: Foundations for Growth
A discussion of infrastructure, real estate, and
construction opportunities
This is a sector with high growth potential and local capital is
inadequate to meet demand. The panel discussion will cover sector
trends including perceived strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
and risks. International investors will describe how they evaluate
opportunities and identify critical factors that will influence their
decision. Executives from a successful local business will discuss
the realities of doing business in Palestine and directly address the
perceived challenges. Expert panellists will describe the current
regulatory environment with respect to issues such as permits
and licences and existing government and/or donor projects that
may be relevant to investment in this sector. Several projects will
be presented to illustrate investment opportunities that currently
exist. The session will close with a question and answer period.
Speakers:
• Mohammad Mustafa
CEO, Palestine Investment Fund, Palestine
• Marwan Tabari
Chairman, Ranya Group,UAE
• Samir Huleileh
CEO, Palestine Development and Investment Co.-Padico, Palestine
• Ibrahim Abu Ayyash
Chairman, Arabtech- Jardaneh Engineers & Architects, Jordan
• Naser Kamal
Chairman, Byder Real Estate, Palestine
• Mohammad Shtayyeh
President, Palestinian Economic Council for Development &
Reconstruction, PECDAR, Palestine
Session 2C: Producing for Growth
A discussion of manufacturing opportunities
Palestine has proven its ability to produce high quality products
and compete successfully in a number of sectors. This panel
discussion will provide participants with an overview of the
sector which includes a wide range of products, such as: stone
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and marble, pharmaceuticals, and furniture. The session will
include an honest and frank assessment of the opportunities and
challenges that exist with respect to export as well as meeting
local demand. The potential of this sector will be examined
from the perspectives of a foreign investor and a successful local
manufacturing business. Panel members will also discuss specific
government and donor programs aimed at supporting further
development of the manufacturing sector. Several projects
will be featured to illustrate the opportunities available in the
manufacturing sector. The panel will also be available to answer
questions from the audience on a range of issues including
difficulties in transit and movement of goods.
Speakers:
• Nassar Nassar
General Manager, Nassar Company for Marble and Stone, Palestine
• Ayman Majali
Vice Chairman, Jordan Commercial Bank, Jordan
• Ali Al-Aqqad
Chief Operating Officer, The Arab Palestinian Investment Co.
(APIC), Jordan
• Michael Sayegh
President, Sayegh Group, Jordan
• Bassem Khoury
CEO, Dar Al-Shifa’ Pharmaceuticals, Palestine
• Tony Barclay
President & CEO, DAI, USA
8:30pm-11:00pm
A Taste of Palestine: Cultural night & dinner (Nativity Square)
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FRIDAY, 23 May 2008
8:30am-9:45am
Open Session on East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem: Untapped Potential
East Jerusalem is an under served area. There are tremendous
investment opportunities which will provide a much needed
economic stimulus to the Arab community in East Jerusalem.
This session will provide participants with insight into the current
realities of investment in East Jerusalem within the context of
Jerusalem’s historic, cultural, and religious importance. This will be
an economic, not political, discussion. Panel members will discuss
the current legal and regulatory environment for investment and
concrete examples of investor experience. The session will feature
several specific projects to illustrate the range of opportunities and
will close with a question and answer session.
Speakers:
• Khaled Al-Nehayan
Chairman of Bin Zayed Group, UAE
• Mazen Sinokrot
Chairman, Sinokrot Global Group, Palestine
• Varsen Shahin
Capability & Institutional Building Manager, President’s Office,
Palestine
• Zahi Khouri
Chairman, Palestinian National Beverage Company, Palestine
• Ahmad Manaßa
Price Water House Coopers, Palestine
• Osama Salah
Ali Salah & Sons Investment Group, Palestine
• Ahmad Rowaidi
Head of Jerusalem Unit, President’s Office, Palestine
9:45am-10:00am
Coffee break and networking
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10:00am-11:15am
Closing Plenary
Palestine: A Continuing Partnership
• A Panel Discussion with the Palestinian public and private
sectors and international representatives.
• Closing remarks: Salam Fayyad, Prime Minister, Palestine
• Bethlehem Declaration on Public-Private Sector
Partnership
11:30am-6:00pm
Jerusalem, Friday Prayers, lunch and tour of the Old City
(Optional).
15

Transport
Buses and shuttles will be running to and from the Conference venue to your hotel
throughout the day. Timetables are available at the information desk. Cars are available
should you need to go somewhere specific within Bethlehem. Talk to the staff on the
information desk to organize one. All transport is free of charge.
Transportation will be available to Ben Gurion Airport (Tel Aviv) or Amman Airport
(Jordan), by the end of the conference . Timetables are available at the information desk.
Tours
There are different tours organized for accompanying persons, ranging from 2 hours
to full day excursions and including visits to Jerusalem, Jericho, Hebron, Nablus and
Ramallah. A full tour schedule is available at the information desk. For Conference
participants, a four day tour visiting major historic and cultural sites is available
departing May 24.
Meals
All meals during the Conference are supplied by PIC-Palestine, including an optional
lunch and dinner on the final day. If you would like to join us for lunch and/or dinner
on Friday, May 24, please pick up a lunch and/or dinner coupon from the information
desk. Transport to and from the venues will be provided.
Events
Welcoming Reception
We hope you will join us for the Welcome Reception (on Wednesday 8:30-10:30pm) at the
Jacir Palace Intercontinental on the opening day of the Conference. Transport will run
from the Jacir Palace Intercontinental to all other Conference hotels throughout the
Reception, allowing you full flexibility.
Cultural Night
‘A Taste of Palestine’ is a cultural extravaganza held in the Nativity Square, just outside the
Church of the Nativity on the second night of the Conference (Thursday 8:30-11:30pm).
You will have a chance to enjoy traditional Palestinian food and witness the best of
Palestinian culture. The dinner will be held outside, so please bring a light jacket.
Wireless Internet Coverage & Discount Roaming Rates
PIC-Palestine is pleased to offer you free wireless coverage through Haddara, throughout
the Jacir Palace Intercontinental and the Convention Centre. Your computer should connect
automatically, but if not, please search for and connect to Hadara WiFi- PIC 2008
17

If you want to call home, or check in with work, then please take advantage of the
discount international roaming rates offered by Jawwal. Local phone cards are available
from the Jawwal/Haddara stand near the information desk.
Networking With Investors
If you’d like to know more about the specific investment projects and concepts
prepared for the Conference, then please visit the project booths on the first floor of
the Convention Centre (Day 2 and 3). You’ll find a full list of project details available.
If you’d like to meet with the people or companies behind the project ideas, we will put
you in contact with them (most are attending the Conference). We have a business-tobusiness
meeting room available on the first floor of the Convention Center. You can
book a time to meet in it and present your ideas anytime during the Conference.
Questions
If you have any queries, please visit the information desk and talk to PIC staff. If we
can’t answer you immediately, we’ll take your phone number and follow up with you
as soon as we can.
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Partners ¡UdA«
Sponsors …UŽd«

Sponsorships in kind WOMOF«
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