In a recent special meeting held in Ramallah and hosted by the Palestinian American Chamber of Commerce, George Noll, head of the US Office of Palestinian Affairs in Jerusalem, reviewed many economic issues with reference to some recent measures undertaken by the US government toward the Palestinians.
At the special meeting, which included members of the Chamber, representatives of the private sector, and economic personalities, Said Baransi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Palestinian American Chamber of Commerce, welcomed George Noll, indicating the importance of mutual commitment to advancing the partnership of the United States and the Palestinian private sector; whilst considering how to maximize this partnership and transform the discussions that took place in recent months into tangible and feasible businesses in order to improve opportunities for economic growth. Additionally, he stressed the need for infrastructure development and touched on several pivotal issues for the private sector.
“We must take a step now, George. The private sector is the main engine for our growth,” said Baransi addressing Noll, adding that more measures and plans must be taken in order to provide the Palestinian people with a better future and a better life, and to help them achieve their national aspirations of building an independent state.
In his speech, Noll expressed his delight in being a part of this event, saying that he remains impressed by the resilience of the Palestinian private sector despite the many obstacles they face and views business leaders as leaders in Palestinian society. Noll stressed that he and the entire US Office of Palestinian Affairs are doing their best to help the private sector and the economy grow.
He focused on the importance of economic freedom, which is the ultimate goal of the partnership between the Palestinians and the American community, saying, “With your creativity and determination, we can shape the future!”
Noll reviewed many economic issues with reference to some recent measures undertaken by the US government, such as increasing visas issued to Palestinian passport holders from 3 to 5 years, and the recent step which Israel took to allow US citizens of Palestinian origin to travel from Israeli’s Ben Gurion Airport. He also urged the Palestinian private sector to take full advantage of the upcoming US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue to be held in Washington, D.C. in the fall.
The meeting addressed many interventions, questions and inquiries from the participants, which centered on the nature of the US-Palestinian economic relationship in its next stages; as well as other issues of concern regarding the private sector.
The meeting also highlighted the various axes regarding those related to the demands of the economic sectors and freedom of trade, taxes and measures to encourage the import and export of products; in addition to the Israeli restrictions on the Palestinian economy and the Israeli destruction in areas such as Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarm and others.
Source: Palestine news & Information Agency