Manufacturers Association president Shraga Brosh met yesterday with Quartet Special Envoy to the Middle East Tony Blair. Brosh is seeking to Blair's help in promoting economic relations and cooperation between the business sector in Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Business leaders from both sides are seeking support for the building of an additional industrial zone in addition to the one at the Erez check point, a plan that has been stalled since Hamas's takeover of the Gaza Strip and the ensuing instability.
"I briefed Blair on our activity to improve ties between Israel and the Palestinians," Brosh told "Globes." "I told him that he could be a great help to us in promoting the joint industrial zone in Jenin that the Ankara Forum has initiated. Blair told me that he considers the private sector as an important factor that will promote cooperation and assist in the peace process."
According to Brosh, Blair was impressed by the ideas and promised to raise the issue of land for the project with the Palestinians. "As we see it, we have an agreement in principle with the government and the Ministry of Defense for the allocation of a 1,000 dunam (250 acre) plot for the construction of a zone like this. The World Bank will probably also be willing to join the project if both governments agree on it. Financially, there shouldn't be a problem."
Brosh added that the goal of the joint industrial zone is to provide employment to the Palestinians, and collaborate with manufacturers in the Palestinian Authority, who will work as subcontractors in basic industries such textiles and wood products.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on September 6, 2007
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2007