Salam Marai to SadaNews: About 30% of commercial stores in Tulkarm were forced to close their doors or reduce their operations

SadaNews - Salam Marai, a member of the Tulkarm Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told SadaNews that the governorate is experiencing economic conditions that are "the worst in years," warning that the majority of commercial sectors have become unable to withstand the situation due to the lack of governmental response to the demands submitted by the chamber of commerce and traders for months. To view the interview: Marai explained to SadaNews that Tulkarm has become a "repelling environment," as its infrastructure has been significantly damaged, especially the main streets, prompting many business owners to move their operations to other, more stable governorates. Many promises... and absent implementation Marai confirmed that the demands submitted by traders to improve economic conditions, repair infrastructure, open crossing points, and alleviate their financial burdens, "have hardly been implemented at all," despite repeated promises. He pointed out that the messages and recommendations are still with the relevant authorities, but "without any practical actions, even though the resilience of the traders has become at stake," as he put it. The "Beni Amriha" festival was misused Marai also referred to the recent commercial festival held in Tulkarm, confirming that the chamber of commerce organized it to convey the voice of the governorate and demonstrate the local sectors' capacity for production. However, he expressed his dissatisfaction with the way the festival was exploited, clarifying: the festival aimed to shed light on the reality of Tulkarm...but unfortunately, it was exploited to export rosy images as if the economic situation is recovering, while the reality is that the governorate is still suffering. Marai revealed alarming figures regarding the extent of the damage inflicted on the commercial sector, indicating that about 30% of commercial stores in the governorate have closed or reduced their operations, while the remaining traders are facing great difficulties in continuing.