Economic Media Alliance Meets Businessman Nassar Nassar, Head of the General Union of Palestinian Industries

SadaNews - In the presence of Mohamed Ghazi Al-Harbawi, President of the Precious Metals Union, several members of the "Economic Media" Alliance met with businessman Nassar Nassar, President of the General Union of Palestinian Industries. The alliance members presented an overview of their media identity, the role assigned to them during this exceptional phase, and their aspirations to play a unifying role across all economic sectors, enhance economic dialogue, and contribute to raising the value of economic media in Palestine, which is considered one of the most important media outlets in the region.

For his part, Nassar Nassar emphasized his admiration for this rare initiative of specialized media alliances, which will have a significant impact on achieving development, supporting economic growth in Palestine, and addressing the challenges of the current phase.

In the economic context and in reviewing the efforts of the General Union of Industries to regain momentum for industries, prevent flooding, and enhance local products, Nassar Nassar stressed that the burden of dependency threatens the economy and affects all of us, as we import raw materials, finished products, and even energy from Israel or through channels it controls. This forces high prices and weakens the competitiveness of Palestinian products. This economic dependency makes the Palestinian economy a hostage to Israeli decisions, both politically and economically.

In contrast, industry is a force of production and independence. If we set things right and regain momentum for the industrial sector, as many countries have done, it would mean reducing reliance on imports from Israel and abroad, providing jobs for youth amid high unemployment rates exceeding 50%, increasing Palestinian exports to regional and global markets, and providing support for more than 400 Palestinian exporters. This would enhance the tax revenues for the Palestinian Authority and contribute direct revenues to the treasury, which will help resolve the salary issue and reduce dominance over clearance dues that have exceeded 9 billion shekels.

For his part, Mohamed Ghazi Al-Harbawi stressed the essential importance of putting things in their context regarding the internal rearrangement of the industrial sector without favoritism or disputes over authorities. It was noted that industrialized countries did not rise until they prioritized the interests of industries over any narrow interests of any party. The General Union of Industries is the umbrella for national industries and is capable of transferring industries to the ranks of exporting countries, stopping flooding, supporting the budget, and putting an end to the distortions facing the industrial sector.

Recent estimates suggest the possibility of replacing imports worth approximately 715 million dollars, with a projected reduction in the trade deficit by about 3.6%, and creating more than 3,100 new job opportunities in the initial stage, should the industries receive support.