Turkey promises support for Palestinian economy

[Thom Little]

Turkish Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul promised economic support for the Palestinians Thursday as he toured a decaying industrial zone in the Gaza Strip which Turkish businessmen are planning to revive. Gul inked an agreement with the Palestinian Authority on which would see the Erez industrial zone in the northern Gaza Strip open under the management of Turkey's Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB).

He signed a similar deal with his Israeli counterpart Silvan Shalom that Ankara hopes would pave the way for Israeli support for the project, diplomats said.

.......

A joint declaration signed by Gul and Shalom said Israel had agreed to coordinate with Turkey "practical arrangements for the facilitation of the operation of the Erez Industrial Zone, including the usage of Israeli maritime ports for exports and imports to and from the Erez Industrial Zone."

.......

"We believe this area will be revitalized in a short time, supporting the establishment of the Palestinian industry on one side, and providing jobs for thousands of Palestinians on the other," Gul said. "The goods manufactured here will be exported all around the world duty free," he said. "The zone will become a very attractive area for businessmen."


http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=3&article_id=21260

[Coastie for Truth]

1. Rumor in the Palestinian "Hi Tech" Diasporas in Cairo and California

Some printed circuit board fabrication and some consumer electronics end product assembly is going into Gaza.

[bemildred]

2. If they really want to stop the Qassams,

something like that would be much more effective than artillery.

[Coastie for Truth]

3. The sad part of it

is that the Palestinians who actually know that, believe it, and understand it - are "making a life for themselves and their families" in the US and Egypt.

[sopmod]

4. It's about time!!

Finally a moderate Secular Middle Eastern country willing to step up to the plate and give the Palestinians more than just weapons and rhetoric!!

Who knows,if this proved to be a profitable venture then it might start a trend!!

I can just imagine it,wealthy Palestinians buying up land in Israel!!