Civil Administration Report shows Palestinian economy in Judea and Samaria improving

The Palestinian economy in Judea and Samaria has shown signs of strengthening since the beginning of the year, according to a recent analysis by the Civil Administration. The analysis was based on data gathered by the Civil Administration as well as publicly available figures. (See attached statistical indicators) There have been large increases in the passage of commercial goods as a direct result of the increase in employment licenses and trade permits issued to Palestinian merchants and business owners by the Civil Administration since the beginning of 2008. There has also been a significant rise in the number of Palestinians using public transportation in the region, as well as a large expansion of the tourism industries in central cities such as Bethlehem and Jericho. Fresh agricultural crops exported to Israel have grown by 25% (despite significant damage caused by the frost that hit the region during the last winter). The "Al Kuds" Palestinian capital markets index has risen, as opposed to the trend on global stock markets, and the successful Bethlehem Investor Conference in May is predicted to lead to an increase in foreign investment. All these indicators reflect on the significant improvement in the Palestinian economy in Judea and Samaria in the first half of 2008. The opening of several major crossing points for free passage to Palestinians, over the past few months, as well as the removal of approximately 100 IDF checkpoints from the region, is an important factor contributing to the improvement in the regional economy. These actions were part of the package of goodwill gestures authorized by the Minister of Defense and the IDF Chief of General Staff. Major crossings that were opened recently include: The "Ganot" crossing (connecting Nablus to its northern villages), The Judea Junction crossing (enabling free motor vehicle passage between Hebron and the Tarqumiya crossing), the Bet-Ha'Arava crossing (connecting the Judea and Samaria region with the Jordan valley) and the Sheep Junction crossing (connecting Hebron to its southern villages). Additionally, two major roads were built to improve the quality of life for Palestinians. These connect the Palestinian villages surrounding Jerusalem with Ramallah, and were opened with an investment of tens of millions of shekels from Israel's security budget. The use of biometric systems at various crossing points has been developed and extended. More than 500,000 crossings using biometric systems were recorded during the first six months of 2008. Additionally, the number of Palestinians who benefit from VIP transit passes has grown to 1,500. This figure includes senior figures in the Palestinian Authority and senior businessman in Judea and Samaria. In addition, another trend in the improving economy is the increased involvement of international actors in local social and relief projects. The involvement of foreign governments, amongst others, has brought an investment of tens of millions of dollars to different projects in the region The report also notes that in the first quarter of 2008, the unemployment rate was 19%. There was a slight decrease compared to the last quarter of 2007 The first six months of this year saw a 94.3% increase in tourists visiting Bethlehem compared to the same period in 2007 and there was also a 42.7% increase in the number of tourists visiting Jericho for the same period this year.