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European - Palestinian Economic Relations

Overview and Future Perspective

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Concept

Any attempt at defining what constitutes Palestinian economic viability must necessarily address the question of Palestinian trade. To be viable, the Palestinian economy has to be heavily export oriented due to the small size of the local market. Unfortunately, the Palestinian economy is currently under severe distress, and Palestinian firms face tremendous difficulties in accessing world markets - such as Europe. These difficulties arise from three different reasons, (i) existing trade regulations, (ii) the lack of implementation of domestic and foreign trade agreements with Israel, and (iii) Israeli impediments manifested in the closure.

In order to attempt to strengthen the Palestinian economy and to combat the decreasing trade volume, which is necessary for any potential recovery, a clear picture of the current situation must be developed and critically analysed. Hence, the prospects for an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and the Northern West Bank, within Sharon’s “Disengagement Plan”, may have a significant impact on the Palestinian Economy. This impact must be assessed in order to build on any positive results and to minimize the negative impact.

Foreign direct investment and joint Palestinian-European ventures in Palestine and particularly in the Gaza Strip can stabilize and possibly revive the Palestinian economy and provide for its viability.

It is important to note some problems for exports will be faced by Palestinian exports since they will have to go through the different border crossing points.

It is necessary to observe all obstacles and complications the Palestinian economy is facing at the moment, since these are significant intervening factors that affect the Palestinian economic predicament in one way or another.

Initially, an examination of the existing legal framework for conducting trade, especially the Paris Protocol and the Interim Association Agreement, should be examined. This examination is intended at identifying the compatibility of this legal framework with a potentially growing export target to third countries. The overall purpose of this component is to recognize and facilitate legal changes that have to be applied for in order to promote Palestinian trade and export potentials .

The main sessions will cover factual issues such as the operating export - import potentials and procedures, the Disengagement Plan and its Impact on the Palestinian Economy .

Conclusively a dialogue between Palestinian stakeholders and their European counterparts would determine the challenging issues and would contribute to the implementation of international law in the medium and long term. In the long run the recommendations and the feedback of this dialogue could guide the strategic economic planning of the Europeans as well as of the Palestinians and build a certain awareness of required procedures along with export - import techniques within both economies.

Program

Sunday, 7-11-2004:

  • Arrival and Introduction

Monday, 8-11-2004:

I. European-Palestinian Economic Environment

  • The Framework of Trade in Palestine:

    Background and recent Developments

    • Dr. Samir Abdullah

      Director General, Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS)

  • The Framework for European-Palestinian Trade Relations:

    Interim Association Agreement on Trade and Cooperation

    • Mr. Saeb Bamyeh

      Deputy Under-Secretary, Ministry for National Economy

  • A strategic View of the EU’s Relations with West Bank and Gaza Strip

    • Mr. David Cullen

      Desk Officer – West Bank / Gaza Strip, External Relations, European Commission

II. Trade and Investment Policies and Procedures

Moderation:

Mr. Tawfiq Nassar

General Manager,

An-Nassar Modern Aluminium Co.

  • European-Palestinian Trade: Facts and Figures

    • Dr. Peter Göpfrich

      Chairman of the Board, German Arab Chamber of Industry and Commerce, MENA

  • Export Potentials in Palestine: National Export Strategy

    • Mr. Samir Huleileh

      Chairman of the Board, Paltrade

  • Made in Europe: Palestinian Demand - Importing industries / sectors (case study)

    • Mrs. Dina Al-Masri

      Director General, Manara Investment Group

  • Made in Palestine: Palestinian – European Joint Ventures - Obstacles and Chances for Palestinian Products and Services (case study)

    • No nominated yet
  • Investments for Growth-Oriented Economy
    • Mr. Basem Khoury

      Member of the Board, Palestinian Federation of Industries

  • European Perspective towards the Palestinian Economy
    • Mr. Bernard Philippe

      Senior Economist, European Commission, Aix Group – Economic Roadmap

Tuesday, 9-11-2004:

III. Political and Economic Developments: Disengagement Plan and its Impacts on the Palestinian Economy

Moderation:

Member of the European Parliament

Delegation for Relations with the Palestinian Legislative Council

  • Palestinian Perspective on the Disengagement Plan
    • Dr. Jihad Al Wazeer

      Secretary General, Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation

  • Economic Benefits and Risks for Gaza: Scenarios

    • Mr. Salah Abdel Shafi

      Economic Researcher and Analyst, Gaza Expert

  • Europe’s Responsibility
    • Mr. Armin Laschet

      Member European Parliament

IV. Future Prospects and Shared Prosperity - Round Table

Moderation: Mr. Samir Hulileh

Participants:

Mr. David Cullen

Desk Officer West Bank / Gaza Strip

External Relations, European Commission

Mr. Saeb Bamyeh

Deputy Under-Secretary,

Ministry for National Economy

Mr. Klaus Ferdinand

Member of the Board,

Agency for International

Economic Cooperation (GWZ)

Dr. Abdul - Malek Jaber

Chairman of the Board,

PIEDCO

Dr. Hani Shawah

Chairman and General Manger,

Bank of Palestine

Member of the European Parliament

Delegation for Relations with Israel

Wednesday, 10-11-2004:

  • Multimedia Presentation
  • Cultural Program

Thursday, 11-11-2004:

  • Departure

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Venue

Cadenabbia, Italy

Speakers

  • See Program below
    Contact

    Dr. Canan Atilgan

    Dr. Canan Atilgan

    Head of the Department Middle East and North Africa

    canan.atilgan@kas.de +49 30 26996-3201

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