Since 1996 UNSCO has continually monitored and reported on socio-economic conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory and in the process established an extensive socio-economic database. UNSCO does not create raw data but rather uses available data which, in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) is relatively abundant. However, the data that is available tends to remain dispersed and is not always automatically shared between institutions. The objective of the database is to bring together in one place a wide variety of data on socioeconomic conditions and by doing so present a broader, more detailed perspective on socioeconomic conditions. The purpose of this report is to: 1) broaden the access to this database through publication of the most recent data gathered; and 2) provide readers with up to date information on socio-economic conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The report is divided into four sections:
Section 1 consists of a one-page fact sheet which provides a snapshot view of the socioeconomic situation for the current and previous reporting period and it provides, for reference purposes, base line figures for the period just prior to the outbreak of the second Intifada.
Sections 2 and 3 report on the macro-economic situation and the economic activity throughout the oPt, including private sector and banking activity. Section 4 focuses on access of goods in and out of the Gaza strip. All sections provide data on the last six reporting periods for each
indicator as well as base line data, which is pre Al-Aqsa intifada. In addition, summary analysis on observed trends is presented below each table.
For further information please contact: Gaza Strip: Raed Raqeb raqeb@un.org
1 The base year for GDP is 2004
2 These numbers may be adjusted
3 No available baseline data on the year 2000
4 These numbers may be adjusted
5 For a more detailed report on sections C (Macro-economy) and D (Private sector), see data below.
6 CPI Base year for 2004 = 100
7 MoNE data does not include aggregates or aid flows in Aug 2000
8 On indicators measured on quarter basis, 2nd quarter of 2000 was used as a baseline since Intifada broke up in the third quarter.
9 * Please note that data for Q3-2008 has been adjusted by the PMA for all bank credit categories
10 Adjusted unemployment is calculated by adding discouraged workers (i.e. unemployed but no longer seeking work) to the ILO standard.
11 Effective closure days are calculated by adding all days when a crossing was fully or partially closed excluding weekend and holiday. Partial closure means that crossing was partially closed for more than one hour but not for a full day where it is considered full closure. Karni – conveyor belt/chute -The conveyor belt/chute for cereals and animal feed at Karni is the only operational one. Rafah Crossing for passengers is partially opened for humanitarian purposes.
The Palestinian CPI reached 127.50 in April 2010, an increase of 0.05% compared to March 2010. Increases were recorded in the Furniture, Household goods sector (0.20%), in Miscellaneous Goods and Services (0.88 %) Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (0.75 %) and in Transportation (0.62% each) while the Food and Soft Drinks sector experienced a 0.23% price decline.
12 Adjusted unemployment is the total number of unemployed in addition to those who are unemployed and don’t seek any employment.
The overall unemployment rate decreased from 24.8% in the 4th quarter 2009 to 22.0% in the 1st quarter 2010, as compared with 25.4% in the 1st quarter 2009. The Gaza Strip experienced a decline from 39.3% in the 4th quarter 2009 to 33.9% in the 1st quarter 2010 while the rate in the West Bank a decline from 18.1% to 16.5%. The Tulkarm governorate registered the highest unemployment rate among the West Bank governorates (24.9%) followed by Hebron governorate at (21.2) while Jericho and Aghwar governorate registered the lowest unemployment rate (7.0%). For Gaza Strip, Khan Younis governorate registered the highest unemployment rate (41.0%) followed by Deir Al Balah governorate (35.8%), and the Gaza city governorate (32.9%).
The exchange rate between the US dollar and the NIS declined by approximately 0.53% in April 2010 compared to March 2010.
The number of new company registrations is used as a proxy indicator for the vitality of the local economy as well as the ability of the local economy to create new employment. New company registrations in the West Bank an increase by 422.50% compared to March 2010. When compared to pre-Intifada levels, new company registrations have increased by approximately 52.55%.The reason behind this massive increase is
the introduction by the Ministry of National Economy of a new registry system, which resulted in a two week suspension of all registrations in March; the April figure thus include the back log of registration requests dating back from the previous month.
As for Gaza, data from the Ministry of Economy in Gaza indicate 26 new registered companies for April 2010. If considering data from Ministry of Economy in Gaza, the number of newly registered companies in Gaza declined by approximately 29.73% compared to March 2010.
Similar to bank credit and deposits, data on the Palestinian stock exchange is used as a proxy indicator of Palestinian perceptions vis-à-vis the state of the national economy. Data for April 2010 shows an increase in terms of number of stocks traded of approximately 6.24% and a decrease in terms of value of shares traded of approximately 30.02%. The Al-Quds index dropped by 0.29%.
Similar to new company registrations, the area licensed for new construction is also used as a proxy indicator for economic vitality. April 2010 data shows a decline in the area licensed for new construction of approximately 6.69% compared to the previous month in the West Bank. When compared to pre intifada levels, area licensed for new construction has now experienced a decline of 28.70%.
Data on bank credit is another proxy indicator for economic progress and business confidence (increasing use of bank credit, particularly in the main productive sectors) or decline (decreasing use of bank credit). The Palestine Monetary Authority provides adjusted data once every three months. In relative terms, general trade and public services show a decrease in the use of credit. Bank credit to the public sector indicates a
decrease of approximately 11.74% in Q4-2009 when compared with Q3-2009. (Please note the PMA has adjusted the indicators for bank credit by economic activities starting Q3-2008. Due to such significant changes in the methodology, current trends cannot be compared to those prior to 2008.)
Disaggregating bank credit by the type of credit, the data shows an increase in loans and overdrafts. Loans currently represent 70.1% of all credit extended compared to only 41% in the pre-Intifada period.
Disaggregating bank credit by borrowing entity shows that consumer lending has experienced a decrease of approximately 11.74% in Q4 -2009 compared to Q3-2009.
Bank deposits for the Q4-2009 indicate a declined in public sector deposits of approximately 7.49% and an increase in private sector deposits of 0.29% compared with Q3-2009.
In a functioning economy, an increase in the loans versus deposits ratio is perceived as a positive sign, as monies are not saved but invested or consumed, each of which acts as a stimulant for the economy. Since September 2006, this ratio had steadily declined in the oPt signaling little optimism in the prospects for the Palestinian economy.Q4-2009 indicate a decline in total loans of approximately 1.27%, and a drop in total
depositis of 0.47% compared with Q3-2009.
There was a significant decline in the amount of imported cooking gas, with 3,262 tonnes allowed in through Kerem Shalom. (14.41% a decline compared to the volume allowed in March 2010).During the reporting period, 44,704 liters of petrol and 393,296 liters of diesel were imported for UNRWA. 19,950 liters of petrol for private sector.
On 1 Jan 2010, Israel declared Nahal Oz fuel pipelines closed, with fuel being transferred to Gaza only via Kerem Shalom.
In April 2010, 5 trucks of carnations were exported. April 2010 data indicates a decline in the total number of imported truckloads to the Gaza Strip by approximately 4%, compared to March 2010 (2,558.5 vs. 2,674.5). Karni crossing has remained closed since 12 June 2007 for the movement of
goods in and out of Gaza. The single conveyor belt/chute for cereals and animal feed at Karni was open for a total of 9 days. 693 truckloads of animal feed (59%), and wheat (41%), entered Gaza via the conveyor belt. Of the 1,717.5 truckloads entering Gaza during the month through Karem Shalom (Karm Abu Salem), 233 (or 13.57%) were designated for humanitarian aid agencies and the remaining 1,484.5 (or 86.43%) were for the private sector. Food items made up the majority of imported goods (1,096 truckloads, or 64%) while 621.5 truckloads, or 36%, were for non food items.
Download Document Files: https://unispal.un.org/pdfs/UNSCO_SocEcoRpt-0410a.pdf
Document Type: Arabic text, Report
Document Sources: United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO)
Subject: Economic issues, Social issues
Publication Date: 30/04/2010