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Blair reveals key projects for the Palestinian economy

  Details of a series of projects designed to boost the Palestinian economy have been released by Tony Blair.

Following a trilateral meeting held in Jerusalem, Mr Blair, along with the Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad and Israel's Minister of Defence Ehud Barak, expressed a commitment to revive the Palestinian economy and improve living standards. Four projects were picked out as key:

A north Gaza emergency sewage treatment project. Important progress has been made among the parties involved in the last weeks in order to ensure the proper implementation of this critical project for providing basic services to the citizens of Gaza. The project provided an urgently needed alternative to the dangerous Beit Lahia treatment plant and sewage lake in order to avoid a potential catastrophe in the current lake in Beit Lahia.

The construction of an agro-industrial park in Jericho. Understanding has recently been reached under the leadership of the Japanese government concerning the location of the agro-industrial park and arrangements for access to Jordan in the framework of the ‘Corridor for Peace and Prosperity'. Parties agreed to create an enabling environment for the private sector and the donor community to step up its activities in the Jericho and Jordan Valley region.

Support was also given to the development of industrial zones, in particular relevant after the decision taken by the Ankara Forum on Tuesday 13th of November 2007 to develop an industrial zone in the area of Tarqumiya. The development of industrial zones in the area of Tarqumiya, Jenin and other locations will create large employment opportunities both in the short and the long term. Moreover, it will improve services for the Palestinian industries and offer opportunities for regional and international business cooperation.

There was also agreement to work together to revive the Palestinian and Israeli tourism sector. This will offer significant employment opportunities for both Israeli and Palestinian economies. As a first step, tourism in Bethlehem is promoted. This initiative will include measures aimed at improving access to Bethlehem and upgrading the tourism facilities in the Palestinian territories.

A number of other projects, under different stages of implementation were also picked out:

The Municipal Development and Lending Fund offer an outstanding opportunity to support the municipalities to deliver critical services to their populations. Services will include water, wastewater, solid waste, electrification and road rehabilitation. A new facility will help municipalities to build recreational facilities for young people and families by financing playgrounds, urban green spaces, small stadiums and other sports facilities.

The Palestinian Enterprise Learning Fund supports exports of goods and services to other Arab Countries, Europe and North America. The Fund will encourage enterprises to upgrade their capabilities by sharing the risk of investments in a restricted movement and access regime. The fund will support service providers such as logistics companies, hotels, tourism agencies and industrial enterprises.

A National Housing Initiative in the Palestinian Territories. Parties agreed to support the initiatives taken by the private sector and the international community to bring about large investments in housing that would boost the economy and create modern living conditions for the Palestinian population.

The parties agreed that better quality education at all levels is a key investment in the recovery and longer-term development of a vital, modern and competitive Palestinian economy. Several measures will be taken in 2008 to improve learning environments, training teachers, and better tailoring public education programs to the needs of a recovering market.

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