Governor of PMA Visits Governorate of Salfit, Municipality and Chamber of Commerce and Meets with Money Changers

Governor of PMA H.E. Azzam Shawwa conducted an extended tour to the Governorate of Salfit where he was received by Governor of Salfit, H.E. Major General Ibrahim Al Balwi. The Governor of Salfit commended the PMA for the role it plays in and the attention it pays to all Palestinian governorates. He pointed out that PMA’s role spurs economic growth, as the banks provide support to investment projects which, in turn, generate new job opportunities for citizens. 

H.E. Governor Shawwa said he held to high regard the efforts made by the Governorate of Salfit and its crew to strengthen citizens’ steadfastness on their lands. He added that municipality crew members spare no effort to serve citizens and build and promote economic activity, which draws us closer to realizing the independence of State of Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. He pointed out that Salfit -in specific- faces multiple economic problems and hardship as a result of the Israeli-imposed measures and especially the Separation Wall, which cast their shadows on all aspects of life. 

Governor Shawwa then visited the Municipality of Salfit where he met with Mayor Dr. Shaher Ishtayeh and members of the municipal council. The parties discussed the means to improve economic life and develop the various economic sectors in Salfit. Discussions also addressed the importance of public-private partnership in serving the local community and fostering development; especially under the current political situation. 

The Mayor briefed Governor Shawwa on the e-service system implemented by the Municipality, within the frame of the e-government project, pointing out that Salfit was the leading governorate in Palestine from a supervisory point of view. In turn, H.E. the Governor affirmed the significance of e-services, offering technical help from the PMA in facilitating e-payment through tools available through the national payment system and the national switch 194, which similarly provide services to citizens.

H.E. the Governor paid a visit to the Salfit Chamber of Commerce and Industry, where he met with Chairman Mr. Iyad Al Hindi and members of the Board of Directors. Attending the meeting were representatives of money exchange firms and bank branch managers. The meeting discussed possible means of cooperation with the PMA so as to better serve and support merchants and attract and encourage investments.

H.E. the Governor commended the Salfit Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the role it plays in development and its commitment to social and national responsibility, recalling that it had lately hosted the Conference of the Palestinian Contractors Union. He added that its role in encouragement of investment is prominent, as evident from its close collaboration with the Palestinian Investment Promotion Agency (PIPA). 

H.E. the Governor reviewed PMA and banking system efforts to achieve monetary stability, contribute to financial stability and promote and support the national economy in spite of the dire political and economic conditions. He pointed out that the PMA has implemented several advanced banking systems and that work is underway to finalize and launch other such systems over the course of the year. 

Governor Shawwa was given a hands-on briefing on the needs of money-exchange firms operating in the governorate of Salfit, and he also commended the role they play to support the national economy.