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Palestinian businesses seek free trade with Arab world

DUBAI - After the first day of workshops and sessions at the Arab Palestinian Private Sector Forum, key participants called for linking relief to economic and social development in Palestine through collaborative investments in the Palestinian private sector and opening free-trade channels with its Arab counterparts.

The workshops covered in yesterday's sessions were: Lowering Entry Barriers for Palestinian Goods in Arab Markets, the Transfer of Technology and Technical Aid for Palestinians, and Improving Arab Investment Channels in Palestine.

Samir Hulileh, chairman of the board of directors of PalTRADE, said: "Our aim in this forum is to discuss the issues of Palestinian trade with the Arab world. We trust that we have the support of all Arab countries. However, we seek to translate these feelings into practical and pragmatic initiatives through establishing solid partnerships in the Arab and Palestinian private sectors.

Samir Hulileh, also announced on behalf of all participants the final recommendations of the forum which includes, marking of the year 2005 as the year for the Palestinian product, putting into motion a collaborative transfer of technology and technical training from Arab nations, launched by the IDB to build Palestinian capacity and capabilities, leveraging the quality of Palestinian products in response to elevated demand for Palestinian goods, strengthening existing relationships and agreements between Palestine and Arab nations, while opening Arab and Islamic trade markets to Palestinian products by lifting barriers and restrictions, and implementing a tax-free exchange of Palestinian goods, as stated by the Arab League and many more.

Mansour Feten, coordinator of the Al Aqsa Fund, said: "We are looking to this forum to support the Palestinian economy through highlighting initiatives that would assist in allowing Palestinian goods into all Arab markets. IDB has announced its intention to finance a strategic study that will reveal the needs of the Palestinian private sector."

Palestinians aspire to mark the year 2005 as the year for the Palestinian product, collaborate with an actively involved Arab funding in support of the Palestinian economy, and fortify existing agreements of trade with Arab nations to incite interest from previously reluctant states.

Mazen Sonokrot, head of the Palestinian Federation of Industry, said: "The industry sector is committed to meet the following objectives: modernizing industrial infrastructure in Palestine and furthering competitive expertise in the four major sectors of marble and stone, food and beverage, textiles, and medicine.''

Yesterday, was the final day of the forum with a workshop for building relationships between Arab and Palestinian private sectors, followed by the final session on the role of the Arab media in covering the rising face of Palestine.