La Paz, 04/04/2013, The first Palestinian economic delegation headed by Dr. Jihad Al Wazir, Governor of the PMA, visited Bolivia during the period of April1-3, 2013. The delegation discussed cooperation and exchange of experience in the fields of economic, banking services, and finance, as well as encouraging investment in Palestine. The main aim of the visit was to promote relations between the two countries, and explore technical assistance cooperation between the Central Bank of Bolivia and the PMA. Dr. Al Wazir was accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim el-Zaban, the Palestinian Ambassador to Brazil, Mr. Ali Faroun, Director of the Consumer Relations and Market Conduct Department at PMA, Mr. Hashim Shawa, Chairman and CEO of Bank of Palestine and Mr. Omar Al-Masri, Vice Chairman of the National Bank.

During the visit, a workshop was held within the context of the (South -South) exchange program, in cooperation with the World Bank, in order to develop cooperation and exchange ideas and experiences between the Central Bank of Bolivia and PMA. In the workshop also, Dr. Al Wazir discussed the achievements of PMA despite the Israeli occupation.

Dr. Al Wazir gave a lecture at the Central Bank of Bolivia about the role of PMA in banking supervision in Palestine, and the services PMA provides in line with international standards. In particular, he described the role of the Credit Scoring System and the Credit Bureau database in conducting the Palestinian market. In addition, he referred to the role that the PMA plays in combating money laundering. The two parties also discussed the possibilities for offering Palestinian technical experience in the aforementioned systems to the Central Bank of Bolivia. At the same time, the Palestinian delegation expressed their deep admiration by the Bolivian experience in financing small and medium enterprises, and the assistance that provides to a wide social group.

Later on, a meeting was organized between the Palestinian delegation and Evo Morales, the Bolivian President, who extended a warm welcome for the delegation, and expressed his endless support to the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian rights of freedom and independence.

The delegation also had a meeting with the chairman of the Central Bank of Bolivia, and Ministers of Planning, International Cooperation, and Foreign Affairs, as well as with head of the Banking Supervision Authority. The meetings took place with a view to promote mutual cooperation and exchange of experiences between the two countries. The two parties also explored potential opportunities for cooperation and discussed mutual economic issues. The delegation met with the Bolivian church leaders and presented them with a Palestinian people's souvenir from the holy city of Bethlehem.

In addition, a series of meetings were held with the heads of the Chambers of Commerce and various visits were made to several industrial and commercial facilities in Bolivia. A celebration was given by the Municipal Council of the city of Santa Cruz in honor of the Palestinian delegation and a joint press conference was held. Also a business lunch was organized with members of the Palestinian community in Bolivia, where investors and businessmen were invited and encouraged to visit Palestine and engage in some investments with the aim of strengthening the relationship between Palestine and Bolivia.

The Palestinian delegation thanked the Bolivian leadership represented by President Evo Morales of Bolivia for their support of the Palestinian cause and for voting in favor of Palestine's membership in the United Nations.