The PMA has organized a banking meeting that took place in Aldeira Hotel in Gaza City. The meeting was held in participation of Dr. Jihad Al Wazir - Governor of the PMA, directors of banks' branches operating in Gaza, as well as the PMA staff. This event has been held in preparation for the launch of the Second Child and Youth Banking Week in West Bank and Gaza.

Dr. Jihad Al Wazir emphasized the strength of the Palestinian banking system, despite current and unforeseeable economic and political situations. He stressed that the PMA is moving forward with the development of banking operations, closely in line with the best international developments. He pointed to recent achievements including: the resolution on the "National Payments Settlement Law"; the PMA acquiring a membership of the International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI) as an associate member; holding the fourth banking conference for financing Small and Medium Enterprises(SMEs), launching of the International Bank Account Number (IBAN), and the signing of a cooperation agreement between the PMA and PEX for cash settlements ,(RTGs) through the Real Time Gross (BURAQ) system.

Dr. Al-Wazir referenced to the Banking Week's impact on creating banking awareness among children and youth. This is based on a plan prepared by the PMA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, where students are met and supplied with educational pamphlets which explain the banking business.

Mr. Ayman Minawi- Supervisor of the PMA's Gaza Office opened the meeting with a welcoming speech, and emphasized the strength of the relationship between the PMA and the banking system. He stressed that Dr. Al Wazir's participation in this meeting is an effort to enhance this relationship, which in turn shall benefit our national economy and our citizens.

Mr. Hussein Zaqout, supervisor at the Consumers Relations & Market Conduct Department -PMA, offered a detailed explanation via a presentation about the banking week, its elements as well as the content of educational pamphlets to be distributed to students.