27.05.2014 Ramallah / Palestine
The second half of the 10 million USD expropriations cost for the organized industry zone to be built in Jenin by TOBB as a gift to the Palestinian people, which will directly provide employment for 6,000 people was turned over to beneficiaries during a ceremony. TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said in regards to the Organized Industry Zone Project to be built in Palestine, “The dream we’ve chased for years is becoming a reality.”
The ceremony which took place at the Ramallah Economy Ministry was
attended by TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu, Turkey’s Ambassador to
Jerusalem Mustafa Sarnıç, Palestine National Economy Minister Cevat Naci,
Organized Industry Zone Director Ali Şaad, Gaziantep Chamber of Industry
Chairman Adil Konukoğlu, Turkey Economic Policy Research Foundation (TEPAV)
Chairman Güven Sak, German Ministry of Economy and Development Representative
Dr. Elke Löbel.
TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu said in regards to the Organized
Industry Zone Project to be built in Palestine, “The dream we’ve chased for years
is becoming a reality. We know it would be difficult. I liken the process of
industrialization to a marathon. We began this project 11 years ago. Despite
many obstacles, we persevered and continued in our efforts.”
The expropriation issues having been solved, the cheques would be
presented to the beneficiaries stated Hisarcıklıoğlu pointing out that this
investment presents the seeds to economic development.
Speaking at the ceremony, Economy Minister Naci reported that the last
stages have been reached in the project and thanked TOBB for their
contributions.
Following the speeches, the beneficiaries were presented with their
cheques. With this, the most concrete step has been taken in the project since
the Ankara Forum of 2005.
- Meeting with Mahmut Abbas
Afterwards, M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu met with the Palestinian Minister of
State Mahmut Abbas. Following the meeting, Economy Minister Cevat Naci and
Hisarcıklıoğlu signed the master plans for the OIZ.
Hisarcıklıoğlu then visited the Palestinian Deputy Prime Minister
Muhammed Mustafa, urging the removal of bureaucratic obstacles for investors.
Last year TOBB President M. Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu signed the memorandum
of understanding for the payment of the expropriation cost of 10 million USD by
TOBB during his Palestine visit. Goods produced here will be marketed to the
world through the Haifa Port via a special customs gate which will be opened by
Israel.