RAMALLAH, March 23, 2011 (WAFA) – Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the Palestinian Territory increased by 9.3% in 2010 compared to the previous year, Wednesday said the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS).

The GDP had increased by 2.8% in the fourth quarter 2010 compared to the third quarter of the same year, it said, and an increase by 8.5% when compared to fourth quarter 2009.

GDP for the West Bank increased by 5.5% during fourth quarter 2010 compared to the third quarter. As for the Gaza Strip, the GDP decreased by 5.2% during the fourth quarter as compared to the third quarter of the same year.

GDP for the fourth quarter was $1.477 billion for the Palestinian Territory, divided into $1.137 billion for the West Bank and $340 million for the Gaza Strip.

GDP per capita during fourth quarter 2010 was $383, an increase of 2% compared to the previous quarter, while it increased by 5.3% when compared to fourth quarter 2009.

Growth in gross value added for the following economic activities:

The Agriculture activity increased in its gross value added during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year by 36.3%, and it increased by 15.0% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

The gross value added for Mining, Manufacturing, Water and Electricity activities increased during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year by 5.1%, while it decreased by 10.4% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

The gross value added for Wholesale and Retail Trade activities increased during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year by 5.4%, and it increased by 12.2% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

The gross value added for Transport, Storage and Communications activities increased during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year by 4.3%, while it increased by 6.1% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

 Decline in gross value added for the following economic activities:

The gross value added for Construction activity decreased by 5.6% during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year, while it increased by 46.6% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

The gross value added for Real Estate, Renting and Business Services activities decreased by 2.8% during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year, while it increased by 9.0% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

The gross value added for Public Administration and Defense activities decreased by 1.0% during the 4^th quarter 2010 compared with the previous quarter of the same year, while it increased by 0.9% compared with the 4^th quarter 2009.

M.A.