TULKARM, June 14, 2010 (WAFA)-  American Consul General Daniel Rubinstein visited Tulkarm on Monday to meet with local officials and representatives from the private sector.  The Consul General met with Tulkarm Governor Talal Dweikat, Tulkarm security chiefs, and local businessmen and women. 

Consul General Rubinstein noted that, “There is no doubt that the economic situation in the West Bank - including Tulkarm - has improved in recent years, thanks to improvements in the security situation, the Palestinian Authority’s comprehensive reforms, and improvements in movement and access.  We know there is more work to be done, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear about these challenges first hand.  I am impressed by Tulkarm’s traders, farmers, and entrepreneurs, who are working to grow their businesses and expand to new markets.  I commend their work as well as that of President Abbas and Prime Minister Fayyad to build the institutions of a future Palestinian state, and we are committed to continuing to support those efforts.”

During a tour of the Badran Textile factory, the Consul General stated that the U.S. Government is strongly committed to the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, and that the ability of that future state to meet the needs of its people depends largely on the development of a strong, private-sector led economy.