Brown, Fayyad and Blair urge investment in Palestine
Gordon Brown, Salam Fayyad and Tony Blair today called on businesses to come and invest in Palestine in advance of a major conference in Bethlehem.
Private sector firms will be offered the chance to put money into around £1 billion pounds' worth of projects, focusing principally on the housing, real estate and construction sector. The panel said private sector involvement from abroad was vital to underpin sustainable economic development
Prime Minister Gordon Brown said: "My message is very clear: there is an economic prize before us, there is a double dividend for you as companies and the Palestinian people.
"There is a real chance to build on the ingenuity, skills and commitment of Palestinians to build peace and prosperity across the region.
"It is a challenge I hope many companies will now take up and it is a challenge that can not only make a difference to the economic livelihoods of so many people who need our help but also make a difference to peace throughout the world."
But it was vital alongside that work to ensure "Palestinians feel they have an economic stake in a peaceful future," he added.
Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad highlighted the "vibrant and resilient" private sector in the Palestinian territories and a conducive business environment.
"It's possible to make money in Palestine, notwithstanding all the difficulties and complexities that businesses have to endure on a daily basis," he said.
Quartet Representative Tony Blair said: "There is a political negotiation. There are all the difficulties and challenges of the current situation on the ground. But the Palestinian people are determined, in so far as they can, to take their own destiny and future in their own hands and business is an important part of that."
Tony Blair stressed that Salam Fayyad has created a pro-business climate. "Yes, there are enormous problems. But the economy on the West Bank is actually growing and people are making money."
"It is necessary to understand the Palestinian people," he said. "They are people of extraordinary ability and fortitude and they are determined to make this work. There is a lot of good work being done."
