Palestinian business delegation to attend forum, meet local firms

A Palestinian business delegation arrives in Malta on Sunday for a series of pre-arranged meetings with local entrepreneurs and for networking purposes.

The delegation's visit, organised by Malta Enterprise and Malta's representation in Ramallah, aims to give local entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet with executives from Palestinian firms from various manufacturing sectors and the ICT industry interested in forging links with local enterprises.

The potential of the Palestinian market, and the vast business opportunities that this market presents, its economic sectors and the ongoing economic and development projects in the country, will be discussed extensively during a forum at Malta Enterprise in San Ġwann on Monday at 2.30 p.m.

There will be a welcome address by Palestinian Ambassador Jubran D. Taweel, Paltrade trade development manager Amjad Qasas, and Palestinian IT Association chief executive officer and Palestine ICT Incubator managing director Laith Kassis.

The Palestinian Territories benefit from preferential trade arrangements with the US, Canada, the European Union, the European Free Trade Association, Russia, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Turkey and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area.

Numerous economic and development projects have recently been initiated in Palestine.

The public sector has grown by 30 per cent in the past five years, while the private sector's growth rate exceeded 60 per cent.

The number of IT companies in the country has grown remarkably in recent years. The average annual ICT value added has been around eight per cent with some years showing a growth of over 50 per cent, and comprises companies operating in hardware sales, software development, consultancy, internet services and office automation equipment.

The manufacturing companies are widely varied, with those participating in the forum involved in the production of security doors, furniture, plastic toys, clothing, shoes and various foodstuffs.

The delegation, whose visit is partly sponsored by the Foreign Office, leaves on Wednesday.

For profiles of the participating delegates and to arrange meetings contact Malta Enterprise on 2542 3443 or 2542 3437 or at internationalisation@maltaenterprise.com.