Under the Patronage of the Minister of Economy and the British Consul: Export Program Organizes a Dialogue Session with Partners

SadaNews - The "Export" program, funded by the British government and in partnership with the Ministry of National Economy, organized an extensive dialogue session to discuss current economic challenges and the role of the program in supporting the resilience and growth of the Palestinian private sector.

The session was attended by National Economy Minister Engineer Muhammad Al-Aamour, Industry Minister Mr. Aref Asfour, British Consul General Helen Winterton, Program Director Naseem Nour, along with representatives from various public and private sector institutions and beneficiary companies.

Minister Al-Aamour affirmed the Palestinian government's commitment to enhancing the investment climate and developing supportive legislation and measures for the private sector, praising the role of the British consulate and the "Export" program in implementing initiatives that have contributed to supporting companies and improving the business environment.

The minister stated that Israel's continued violation of signed agreements, withholding of clearance funds, illegal deductions, and its refusal to exchange surplus shekels are causing severe losses to the Palestinian economy and the banks, while the siege imposed on our people undermines national and international efforts to revitalize and develop the Palestinian economy.

He highlighted the government's focus on investment, production, and export sectors, as well as the transition to a digital economy, including renewable energy. The government is currently reviewing economic legislation and automating government services to facilitate private sector operations and reduce costs, effort, and time, which contributes to improving the investment climate and enhancing competitiveness at both regional and international levels.

The minister called on the British government to extend the "Export" program for an additional period, based on the success of the joint initiatives achieved in recent years, so that we can complete existing initiatives and design new initiatives that produce a sustainable impact.

For his part, Industry Minister Aref Asfour expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Export program for the partnership and close cooperation in launching and implementing initiatives that have contributed and continue to contribute to the development of the Palestinian industry.

The minister presented the vision of the Ministry of Industry aimed at raising the industrial sector's contribution to 13.5% of GDP, an increase of 2.3% over the current contribution, corresponding to a rise in the employment of workers in the manufacturing sector from the current 115,200 workers to an estimated 162,500 workers by 2029.

The minister emphasized the importance of priorities that require donor support, including the transition to a digital economy, strengthening national production, accessing markets, enhancing workers' skills in the industrial sector, and working to retain them while providing the necessary funding to support industrial projects and infrastructure for the Palestinian industry.

British Consul General in Jerusalem, Helen Winterton, confirmed the UK's commitment to supporting the Palestinian economy and enhancing the bilateral partnership, noting that the British government's recognition of the State of Palestine marks a new stage in relations and cooperation.

The consul expressed her appreciation for the resilience of the Palestinian people and their ability to face grave economic challenges, affirming that the willpower shown by both the public and private sectors provides hope for the possibility of recovery and building a better future, despite the significant destruction and losses in the Gaza Strip. She praised the achievements of the "Export" program and its role in supporting government institutions and the private sector, pointing out that what Palestinian companies have been able to achieve with limited support reflects the vast potential of the Palestinian economy.

She also noted the continued British support for recovery efforts in Gaza, asserting that reconstruction should be led by Palestinians with wide-ranging investment contributions from both the public and private sectors, and that the UK will work to mobilize partners and provide the necessary expertise for that. The consul concluded by reaffirming her country's commitment to supporting a prosperous and inclusive Palestinian economy and to continuing to work with all partners to achieve just peace and sustainable development.

For his part, Program Director Naseem Nour emphasized the importance of partnerships in enhancing the competitiveness of the Palestinian private sector, appreciating the efforts of all institutions and companies that contributed to implementing effective interventions despite challenges. He added that the success of the "Export" program is based on five key factors: the presence of a comprehensive professional team, a flexible design that meets the needs of the private sector, a program based on continuous learning and improvement, as well as an approach that encourages the inclusion of women and people with disabilities as economic actors, and partnerships based on joint work.

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this vital program from the public and private sectors, civil society institutions, and the Palestinian Monetary Authority, emphasizing the commitment to continue working with partners to enhance Palestinian exports, develop the business environment, and support the resilience of the private sector.
The dialogue session included discussions on the main current challenges facing the private sector and how the international community should respond to them. Participants included Mr. Muhammad Manasra, Deputy Governor of the Palestinian Monetary Authority, Mr. Aied Abu Ramadan, Head of Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Ibrahim Barham, Head of the Private Sector Coordination Council, and Mr. Haidar Hajja, Director General of the Palestinian Standards and Metrology Institute.

This session is part of a series of meetings held by the "Export" program to continue discussions about the challenges facing the private sector and ways to address them.

At the end of the event, the Ministers of Economy and Industry, accompanied by the British consul, visited a group of exhibiting companies benefiting from the "Export" program to review their key achievements as part of their partnership with the program.