H.E. Dr. Jawad al-Naji, Minister of National Economy / The Chairman of the Palestinian Industrial Estate and Free Zone Authority PIEFZA, and Dr. Samir Hazboun, chairman of Bethlehem Multidisciplinary Industrial Park - BMIP signed on Monday 19/11/2012 the amended concession agreement to develop the Bethlehem Industrial Estate which explains the terms of the partnership between the public sector and the private sector.
The ceremony took place at headquarters office building of the BMIP in presence of the Governor of Bethlehem: Abdel Fattah Hamayel, the French Consul Géneral: Frederic Desagneaux and the President of the General Federation of Palestinian Industries: Saqer Jerashi, and the Director of the French Development Agency in Palestine: Hérve Conan, and the mayors of Bethlehem and Hindaza , and a number of businessmen and investors.
Minister Jawad al-Naji explained, "The amendment of the concession agreement comes within the scope to enable the developer to speed up the completion of the project especially the onsite infrastructure works, and to encourage investors to invest in this vital region, for its strategic importance in securing thousands of jobs”, he also stressed the government's commitment to provide all facilities for the success of the project, which follows the signature of protocol signed by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and French President Nicola Sarkozy in June 2008, which aims to help build a sustainable growth of the Palestinian economy.
Minister Jawad al-Naji confirmed that Ministry of National Economy is keen to provide an appropriate and possible environment to implement the programs and activities of the Palestinian private sector, and to provide the necessary facilities to achieve it, calling investors inside and outside Palestine to investment in Palestine, and particularly in the industrial zones.
Minister Jawad al-Naji expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to France; President, government and people for their efforts and support for the development of the Palestinian private sector, and the creation of a real development in various economic sectors, especially in supporting the Bethlehem Industrial Estate and other vital projects implemented by France in Palestine.
From his side, the French Consul General Frederic Desagneaux, expressed his deep thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the BMIP team and all stakeholders for the success of this project, and emphasized that the amendment concession agreement opens a new phase in accelerating the completion of the project. He also indicated that France will continue to support the Palestinian private sector and work on its development.
The Consul General noted that several French companies have expressed their intention to invest in the industrial estate. He also mentioned that French efforts are being made with the Israeli side on the facilitation of the movement of people and goods to and from the industrial zone.