H. E. Governor of PMA Visits Governorate of Tulkarem, Tulkarem Municipality and Chamber of Commerce and Meets Money Changers

H.E. Governor of the PMA, Mr. Azzam Shawwa, conducted an extended visit to the city of Tulkarem. The visit commenced with a meeting with H. E. Governor of Tulkarem Governorate, Mr. Issam Abu Baker, who commended the PMA for its role in fostering and developing the banking sector, through providing support to banks as well as providing various services to business people and citizens. He affirmed the importance of cooperating and maintaining relations with the PMA and the banking sector in order to create a better economic reality for the Governorate of Tulkarem. 

H.E. Governor of the PMA, Mr. Shawwa, pointed out that the aim of the visit to the Governorate of Tullkarem was to become aware of the needs of the banking sector and money-changing firms operating in the Governorate, in order to help regulate their operation under the effective law. He added that the aim of the visit was also to meet with businessmen and representatives of the various economic sectors of Tulkarem. 

Governor Abu Baker outlined the challenges facing the Governorate, especially in view of the measures imposed by the occupation that hinder economic activity. He alluded to the importance of the Strategic Development Plan of the Governorate of Tulkarem, which was recently endorsed by the Cabinet. He added that, under the sponsorship of the Arab Islamic Bank and in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and the various economic sectors, the preparation of the Governorate’s investment map was under way.

H.E. Governor Shawwa then visited the Municipality of Tulkarem. He met with Mayor Iyad Al-Jallad to discuss the means possible to improve the economy in Tulkarem and develop the various economic sectors. The Governor and the Mayor also discussed how public-private partnership can best serve the local community and promote development, particularly given the current political climate. 

H.E. the Governor emphasized the role undertaken by the PMA to supervise the conditions of all banks operating in the Palestinian Governorates, despite the difficult economic conditions. 

Mr. Al-Jallad gave a detailed explanation of the general economic and commercial conditions of the city of Tulkarem, highlighting the impact of Israeli-imposed closures of crossings and checkpoints on economic reality. He noted that communication and interaction with the PMA in relation to the different issues of economics and finance, and through the competent authorities, was of prime importance in order to articulate a financial strategic outlook for the next few years. 

H.E. the Governor also met the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Tulkarem, Mr. Ibrahim Abu Haseib and a host of members of its board. During the meeting, discussions covered the difficult conditions facing tradesmen in Tulkarem, especially as a result of the Israeli-imposed measures; the means of mutual cooperation with the PMA to best serve and help tradesmen and the possible ways to attract and encourage investment. 

H.E. the Governor commended the Governorate of Tulkarem for its steadfastness and innovative confrontation of challenges and hardships. He emphasized the significance of the visit, which aimed at getting acquainted with the economic and financial conditions, noting that the PMA has always sought to achieve monetary stability and to contribute to maintaining financial stability.