The Workshop, attended by representatives of the private and public sectors in addition to representatives of the international community, was held under the Patronage of the Minster of National Economy Dr. Bassim Khoury, and Christian Berger, Representative of the European Commission. Both, the Quartet Representative Tony Blair, and the Japanese Ambassador, Haruhisa Takeuchi participated in the Workshop.
In his speech Dr. Khoury pointed out the urgent need of alternative trade corridors and added that “the ultimate objective of the Ministry of National Economy is to reorganize the Palestinian economy in a manner that best serves the Palestinian interests. This objective requires control over alternative trade corridors as part of the Palestinian sovereignty which will also lead to diversification of trade.
The Quartet Representative, Tony Blair, stressed the importance of alternative trade corridors and added that “it is obvious that the potential of imports and exports to Jordan is essential for the future. Damya Bridge should be opened in addition to King Hussein Bridge.”
Representative the European Commission, Christian Berger, stressed the importance of removing borders and obstacles. He added that “Europe has achieved prosperity by removing borders between countries, people and businesses. Palestinians have no external borders but numerous internal borders that need to be removed.”
On the other hand, Mr. Haruhisa Takeuchi the Japanese Ambassador highlighted the importance of the Trade Corridors’ Facilitation Project and added that “I welcome and appreciate this project. Japan is very interested to see the results of the research done by PalTrade and PSC.”
Maha Abu Shosheh, Chairman of the PSC, said “I hope we can overcome some of the unjustified obstacles that we face in trading with our Jordanian partners.”
Hanan Taha, the Trade Policy Department Manager at PalTrade presented the main impediments that face Palestinian exporters and importers at King Hussein Bridge. These impediments include the closure of Damya Bridge for Palestinian cargo, back to back system at King Hussein Bridge, un-containerization of King Hussein Bridge. In addition, Ms. Taha also suggested different action to be taken which include return of Palestinian officials to King Hussein Bridge, Containerization of King Hussein Bridge and re-inauguration of Damya Bridge for Palestinian trade.
This workshop is one of the main activities of the Trade Corridors’ Facilitation Project which is funded by the European Union and implemented jointly by PalTrade and PSC. The workshop addressed the importance of King Hussein Bridge for Palestinian foreign trade and how it can be developed and better utilized in order for the Palestinian business community penetrate the regional and international markets.
