U.S. Consul General’s Visit Highlights U.S. Support to the Nablus Private Sector

January 28, 2009

Jerusalem: U.S. Consul General Daniel Rubinstein visited Nablus today to meet with local officials and entrepreneurs and discuss with them the situation in the Governorate. The Consul General met with Nablus Governor Jibril al-Bakri, key business leaders, and security officials. Speaking to press during his visit, Consul General Rubinstein said, "There is no doubt that the economic situation in Nablus - and in many parts of the West Bank -- has improved thanks to the Palestinian Authority’s economic reforms and Israel's easing of some movement and access restrictions around Nablus. Continued, sustainable growth depends on reliable access to outside markets and needed imports, and further easing of movement and access."

During a tour of the NAPCO aluminum factory, the Consul General stated that the U.S. Government would continue its efforts in conjunction with the Palestinian Authority to promote opportunities for businesses such as NAPCO to expand their markets in the West Bank and abroad.

The Consul General emphasized the importance of creating a stable environment to attract investment. "As President Obama has made clear, the United States will support efforts to build institutions that serve the needs of the Palestinian people," he said.

For more information please contact the U.S. Consulate General’s Press Office at 02-622-6908 or 02-622-6909 or Hassna Dajani at 054-678-8455.