RAMALLAH, June 4, 2009 (WAFA)- The U.S. Consulate General’s U.S. Commercial Service and the Palestinian-American Chamber of Commerce hosted a daylong seminar for Palestinian importers and exporters on how to best take advantage of the U.S. – Palestinian Authority Duty Free Treatment.  The seminar presented information about how Palestinian companies can best take advantage of free trade access to the United States, the world’s largest market.  The event was held at the Grand Park Hotel, Ramallah.

Speaking at the seminar, U.S. Commercial Service Attaché Cramer stressed the importance of the private sector in strengthening economic development in the Palestinian Territories.   He noted, “As President Obama will reference today in his historic speech from Cairo, resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a U.S. priority, and laying the foundations for a future Palestinian state is a key part of that process.”  For his part, Palestinian Authority Deputy Minister of National Economy Abdel Hafith Nofal opened the seminar by welcoming the U.S. visitors and thanked the U.S. Government for sharing the important trade information with Palestinian businesses.

The Palestinian Authority was also represented by Mr. Hatem Youssef, Director General, Customs and Excise, Ministry of Finance.  Speakers representing the U.S. included Mr. John Mennel, Senior Associate for Booz Allen Hamilton, Ms. Lorraine McCord, Director of the North Texas International Trade Center, and Ms. Joy Brachman of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

The seminar covered topics relevant to  Palestinian importers and exporters, including the Current Status and Volume of Trade with the United States; Customs Documentation – Tax and Legal Regulations; Duty Free Treatment of Products of the West Bank and Gaza; Exporting to the United States; and information on U.S. Customs.

The U.S. Commercial Service is the official trade promotion agency of the U.S. government, and works closely with the Palestinian-American Chamber of Commerce to promote bilateral trade between U.S. and Palestinian businesses.