RAMALLAH / PNN /

 With the registration of 2,700 new companies in 2022 for a capital of $700 million, Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh stressed today that despite the absence of a political program to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, there is nevertheless a state of revival in everything related to the national industry.

“We have a program, a steadfastness resistance that strengthens our resilience on our land under the most criminal Israeli government in the history of the conflict that does not want us to exist," said Shtayyeh speaking at the launch of the Palestine Food Exhibition 2023 held at the Convention Palace in Bethlehem.

“From the first day, we adopted in the government a policy of gradual disengagement from the colonial relationship imposed on us by the reality of the occupation in order for us to build our country," he said. "We must consume what we produce, and therefore today we open horizons for Palestinian trade with Arab countries, our main depth, and the bridge between us and Jordan is going to be enlarged."

The Prime Minister added: "There is a state of national revival in everything related to the national industries. These exhibitions are about drawing the attention of the consumer on the one hand and networking between businesses on the other. Today, 65 companies are participating in an important and good economic event, and the amount of money invested is not bad. We always encourage the private sector, and the government is working to develop the legislative structure and framework for the work of the private sector, in addition to the infrastructure. This provides the private sector with a foundation to count on.”

Shtayyeh explained: "Banks in Palestine operate at the best pace. The rate of lending from deposits is 84%, and the movement of capital is free and there are no controls on it. The rate of economic growth in Palestine in 2022 was 3.6%, and this is due to the efforts of the private sector and the investments that are pumped into the Palestinian national capital.”

The Prime Minister added: “2,700 new companies were registered in 2022, with a capital of $700 million. This is evidence of the spirit of partnership and facilities provided by the government to businessmen, investors, chambers of commerce, and merchants. We are happy to be present today in this exceptional economic activity, and we are also interested in opening commercial horizons as the Palestinian economy is open to the whole world, and the movement of capital and trade is flexible.

"We are very happy that these exhibitions work to enhance our national production. The confidence of the consumer and his knowledge of the quality of Palestinian goods, as well as all that the consumer wants: prices of the national product compared to other competitive products are less expensive. This matter is at the heart of our strategy in the government related to disengagement from the occupiers, strengthening our national product, consumer confidence in our goods, and creating job opportunities and income for our citizens.

"Our steadfastness is not negative, but rather a steadfastness of resistance. The olive tree is part of the resistance, and the national product is also part of the resistance."