April 2012

HEAdlines

Main reports: The 2012 Palestinian Authority Budget has been approved. The total budget is $3.54bn, with the recurrent deficit forecast to decrease to less than $1bn.

The current account deficit increased by 29.9% compared with the previous quarter, reaching $378.8m in Q4 2011.

The World Bank has announced its new two-year strategy for assistance to the Palestinian Territory to support private sector led growth and to strengthen public institutions. This includes a $55m replenishment for the Trust Fund for Gaza and the West Bank.

The US Congress has released $88.6m in development aid for the Palestinians which had been frozen since September last year.

The Bulletin interviews Dr Iyad Masrouji, CEO of Jerusalem Pharmaceuticals.