Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

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.