PMA Organizes Meeting with Banks, Money-Changers and Lending Institutions
During Visit of Governor Shawwa and High Level Delegation from West Bank to Gaza
As part of a visit to Gaza by H.E. MR. Azzam Shawwa, Governor of the PMA accompanied by a high level delegation from the West Bank including several businessmen, the PMA organized a meeting on banking at Al-Mashtal Hotel in Gaza. The meeting was attended by bank branch managers, licensed money changers, representatives of specialized lending institutions and PMA staff.
H.E. Mr. Shawwa expressed his happiness at holding his first meeting with the banking sector in the Gaza Strip. He stressed the significant role played over the years by the PMA and the banking system including licensed money changing firms. This role, he added, was especially vital during crises and wars waged by Israel against the Gaza Strip. He recalled how, whenever it was possible, ATMs continued to operate, in particular during periods of truce, but at times also under bombardment, which helped alleviate the suffering of people in the Gaza Strip.
Governor Shawwa alluded to the progress and achievements made by the PMA since its first Governor, Dr. Fouad Bseiso, assumed office. Such progress was carried through during the tenures of his successors Dr. Amin Haddad, Dr. George Al-Abed and Dr. Jihad Al-Wazir, consequently creating a robust and advanced the banking system.
Governor Shawwa emphasized that the Law on the Palestine Monetary Authority, and instructions issued pursuant thereto, are being uniformly implemented in all governorates of Palestine.
In his speech on behalf of the Association of Banks, Mr. Hazem Abu Ramadan welcomed Governor Shawwa and wished him and the PMA all prosperity and success in supporting the banking system to confront and resolve imminent challenges and difficulties. He also expressed his gratitude to former Governor, Dr. Jihad Al-Wazir, for his valuable contribution to the banking industry.
On the sideline of this meeting and in presence of PMA senior management, Shawwa held a special meeting with representatives of the banks. During the meeting, Shawwa was introduced to key challenges, impediments and outlooks confronting the banking business. He also held a similar meeting with owners of licensed money-changing firms.
Preceding this meeting, Mr. Shawwa opened the new Gaza headquarters of the Egyptian Arab Land Bank, in the presence of the branch Manager Mr. Anwar Abu Salah and Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce in Gaza Mr. Walid Al-Husari, as well as a host of bankers and economists. Following the meeting, the Governor and the accompanying delegation made a visit to the Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), where they were received by the Director General of PDIC, Mr. Zaher Al-Hmouz, and PDIC Gaza Manager, Mr. Naser Shawwa. Governor Shawwa also made a visit to the Palestine Banking Institute where he was received by Institute Head in Gaza, Mr. Yusuf Al-Mashharawi. It is worth mentioning that the board of directors of both these institutions is chaired by Governor of the PMA. During the visits, Mr. Shawwa was briefed about the work of both institutions.
The Governor also paid a visit to Palestine Avenir for Childhood Foundation, where he was received by its General Director, Mr. Ahmad Al-Kashef, and Secretary to Board of Directors, Mr. Arslan Al-Agha as well as several members of the board. Mr. Shawwa was introduced to the work and activities of the foundation. Later, Mr. Shawwa visited the Jordanian military field hospital, where he was received by the Commander of the Hospital, Colonel Majed Musallam Al-Hamaydeh. Mr. Shawwa was briefed on the significant role played by the hospital in the Gaza Strip, which has strong ties with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. He added that, from January 2009 onwards, the hospital has been working under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, which dictated that the hospital was to sustain the medical and relief field work on a permanent basis.
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