2007 Programs and Events
U.S. Supports Palestinian Agricultural Development
May 2, 2007
On May 2, officers from the U.S. Consulate and the USAID West Bank/Gaza mission attended a grand opening ceremony at the Khaizaran Agro-business Company’s new herb farm and packing house near Tubas. The event celebrated a new partnership between Khaizaran and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Khaizaran partnership is part of USAID’s Palestinian Agribusiness Partnership Activity (PAPA) and is expected to generate over $900,000 per year in revenue and support 130 permanent jobs.
The U.S. Consulate’s Economic Chief Amy Schedlbauer and USAID’s Mission Director for West Bank and Gaza Howard Sumka addressed Khaizaran’s shareholders and employees, emphasizing the United States’ commitment to a prosperous Palestinian economy with private sector-led growth. They recognized the important role of the agricultural sector and the enormous economic potential for agricultural exports.
Ms. Schedlbauer said, “We are determined to help Palestinian agribusinesses achieve greater productivity and successfully access export opportunities.” She reiterated that the U.S. is committed to the removal of impediments to access and movement and non-tariff barriers to trade and is working with both Palestinians and Israelis to implement the Agreement on Movement and Access negotiated by Secretary Rice in November 2005.
Mr. Sumka provided greater detail about the PAPA agribusiness partnerships, which create sustainable jobs and secure revenue streams by providing local and international buyers with a regular and dependable supply of quality foods from the West Bank and Gaza. PAPA joint investments have created 1,200 new jobs and assisted over 8,000 small-scale fishermen and farm families to meet food security needs and improve food safety conditions for Palestinian consumers. They have promoted the production and distribution of olive oil, fresh flowers, herbs, and vegetables, as well as sheep and goat cheese. Future projects will assist farmers in building fish ponds, creating additional revenue and supplying fresh fish to Palestinian markets.
The PAPA initiative has invested over three million dollars into the West Bank and Gaza, and has assisted Palestinian agribusinesses in meeting modern international food safety and efficiency standards, and has connected Palestinian agribusinesses to some of the highest paying markets in the world.
Ms. Schedlbauer and Mr. Sumka joined former Minister of National Economy and West Bank ARAVA representative Mazen Sinokrot and Khaizaran Chairman Diab to cut the ribbon and officially inaugurate the partnership project.