BETHLEHEM, July 8, 2026 (WAFA) – The Palestinian government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed two agreements on Wednesday worth a total of $21 million to implement a project to establish an entrepreneurship center in Bethlehem and a capacity-building project for crisis and disaster response in support of the Palestinian Civil Defense.
The agreements were signed at the Bethlehem Municipality headquarters by Minister of Finance and Planning Estephan Salameh, Minister of Interior Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, and Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi, along with Country Director of KOICA Palestine Office, Dr. Hyungue Joe.
Minister of Finance and Planning said the two projects, valued at approximately $21 million, represent an investment in two key areas that constitute national priorities: strengthening the capacity of Palestinian institutions to respond to crises and disasters, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic development and job creation.
He added that the project to establish an entrepreneurship center in Bethlehem will serve as a platform to support startups and entrepreneurs, promote innovation and competitiveness, and open new horizons for Palestinian youth.
He said that the crisis and disaster response capacity-building project will contribute to developing the capabilities of the Palestinian Civil Defense, improving infrastructure and equipment, and enhancing emergency response mechanisms in a way that strengthens the safety of citizens and local communities.
For his part, Representative of the Republic of Korea to the State of Palestine, Youngkul Koh, said the signing of the two agreements reflects the depth of the Palestinian-Korean partnership and his country's commitment to continuing support for development efforts and strengthening Palestinian institutions capable of addressing challenges.
He noted that investment in entrepreneurship and strengthening crisis response capacities is an investment in Palestine's future and its youth.
The Representative of the Republic of Korea to the State of Palestine said Bethlehem will become a center for developmental transformation through the establishment of the entrepreneurship center, while the second project will enhance the readiness of local institutions to protect lives and property and improve emergency response capabilities during emergencies.
He stressed that the Republic of Korea believes true development is built on empowering people, promoting innovation, and establishing strong institutions capable of serving society.
He affirmed his country's continued support for the Palestinian people through long-term development partnerships that create lasting impact and contribute to building a more prosperous and stable future.
The project to establish an entrepreneurship center in Bethlehem, funded at $11 million, aims to support the innovation ecosystem, incubate startups, and provide training, mentorship, and seed funding for promising ventures, thereby strengthening the local economy and creating new job opportunities.
The project is expected to directly benefit more than 3,150 people and indirectly benefit over 10,000 others, reinforcing Bethlehem's position as a national hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and supporting the Ministry of Local Government's efforts to assist the Bethlehem Municipality in developing a local economic environment conducive to investment and innovation.
The project to enhance crisis and disaster response capacities in Palestine, valued at approximately $10 million, represents a strategic investment in strengthening Palestine’s preparedness to address crises and disasters by developing the capabilities of the Palestinian Civil Defense and enhancing emergency response efficiency at the national, local, and community levels.
The project involves establishing two new Civil Defense directorates and two firefighting centers in the Jenin and Jericho governorates, providing specialized vehicles and equipment, implementing training programs in collaboration with the Jordanian Civil Defense, developing emergency response plans, and enhancing volunteer firefighting teams and community awareness programs.
The two projects mark a significant milestone in Bethlehem's development journey and reflect the depth of the Palestinian-Korean partnership and the shared commitment to supporting sustainable development, empowering youth, and strengthening national institutions, contributing to a more prosperous and sustainable future for Palestine.
T.R.
