12 Aug 11 – UNCTAD launches a project to support the Palestinian trade facilitation capacity

A mission from UNCTAD visited Ramallah (the occupied Palestinian territory) from 16-22 July 2011 to launch a technical cooperation project on "Capacity Development for Facilitating Palestinian Trade".

The project was officially launched by representatives from the Palestinian Shippers' Council (PSC), the Ministry of National Economy of the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and representatives from UNCTAD.

The objective is to strengthen the capacity of Palestinian exporters and importers in all aspects of shipping and build their knowledge base on the different aspects of internationally recognized best practices of trade facilitation. Moreover, the project aims to consolidate the institutional capacity of the PSC to serve as the main representative of the Palestinian community of exporters and importers, and strengthen its capacity for providing continuous expert training and advisory services, in the area of trade facilitation, to Palestinian shippers and policy- makers.

This intervention has been identified in UNCTAD's ongoing research which highlighted the adverse effects of the closure policy imposed on the oPt and the weak infrastructures and logistical services undermining the competitive position of Palestinian enterprises.

The PSC was established by a previous UNCTAD's technical cooperation project, which was implemented by the Assistance to the Palestinian people Unit and completed in 2008.

This new intervention will capitalize on previous achievements in enhancing the overall Palestinian trade facilitation capacities.


Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
Subject: Assistance, Closures/Curfews/Blockades, Economic issues
Publication Date: 22/08/2011