H.E. Governor of PMA Azzam Shawwa Discusses, at Gaza Chamber of Commerce, Most Prominent Obstacles and Challenges Facing Commercial and Industrial Sector

At Start of Extended Tour accompanied by Large Economic Delegation

A large economic delegation from the West Bank, headed by H.E. Governor of PMA, Mr. Azzam Shawwa, visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Governorate of Gaza on Sunday 24 January. The visit marked the start of an extended three-day tour of the Gaza Strip. The Governor was received by the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Walid Al-Husari, members of the board of directors, a host of merchants, businessmen and industrialists. Governor Shawwa and his accompanying delegation received a warm welcome by all attendees and considered this visit to the Gaza governorates as a strategic visit from an economic perspective, particularly to the private sector.

During the meeting, discussions focused on the general economic conditions prevailing in the Gaza Strip in view of the long-standing siege imposed many years ago by the Israeli occupation and the slow pace of the reconstruction process. Moreover, the Israeli-imposed measures have culminated in dire hardships for all segments and sectors, foremost among which are the commercial and the industrial sectors, and the aggravation of poverty and unemployment, particularly among recent graduates. 

H.E. Governor Shawwa affirmed that the Gaza Strip is given special priority status by the PMA and the banking system owing to the difficult conditions it is facing. He alluded to the positive role played by the banks operating in the Strip during crises, especially during the most recent and devastating war, which secured round-the-clock operation and continuous feeding of ATMs, in spite of ongoing bombardment. In addition, banks opened during the war whenever possible or when a cease fire was announced, which contributed to boost the resistance of citizens and helped them to secure requirements of daily life and manage their human and family needs. 

H.E. the Governor reviewed the efforts made by the PMA and the banking system to bring about monetary stability, contribute to maintenance of financial stability and promote national economic development in spite of the difficult political and economic conditions. He pointed to the advanced banking systems introduced by the PMA, saying that the PMA is still working to introduce other systems over the course of the year. 

It is planned that the tour will cover a meeting of the PMA board of directors and another meeting of the board of directors of the Palestine Deposit Insurance Corporation, which is an important cornerstone of the financial security net. It will also include the opening of a training workshop for employees of banks and lending institutions on the launch of the upgraded version (IV) of the Credit Registry System and the inauguration of two new branches of Quds Banks in Rafah and Jabalya.