ECONOMIC development

• An Israeli-Palestinian Trade Workshop Improves the Movement of Cargo: USAID sponsored a workshop at the King Hussein Bridge for 23 principal Palestinian private sector importers, exporters, and customhouse brokers with representatives of the Israeli Airport Authority, Israeli Customs, Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry, COGAT, and the Civil Administration. The workshop acquainted the Palestinian private sector representatives with the crossing point facilities, and addressed their specific questions and concerns over requirements and procedures governing the movement of cargo into and out of the bridge facility. Israeli authorities used the opportunity to make two significant announcements that will improve the movement of goods and business transactions: goods imported by Palestinian traders can be directly transferred through the West Bank, rather than using internal crossing points between the West Bank and Israel; and, Israeli consumers will be permitted to buy directly from West Bank without the need for a unified invoice.

GAZA ASSISTANCE

• During March 30 to April 2, 19 trucks transported USAID-funded humanitarian food and non-food items (NFI) to be distributed to needy Palestinians in Gaza.  The NFI included flashlights, blankets, hygiene kits, and food parcels.  The food included lentils, milk, canned tomatoes and tuna, cooking oil, macaroni and rice.  Since December 2008, USAID has provided $13.4 million in emergency assistance to Gaza through grants to 10 U.S. NGOs and the World Food Program.