Main reports: The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reports that GDP is largely unchanged, decreasing by less than 1% in Q3 2009 compared to Q2 2009. A 5.5% increase was reported compared to the same period last year.
Research by the Palestinian Federation of Industries estimates the blockade of Gaza is causing annual losses of $55m for Palestinian industrial firms. It also found that 55,000 truckloads of raw materials are required to meet the needs of reconstruction.
Groundbreaking of Rawabi, the first Palestinian planned city, took place in the first few days of 2010. Palestinian companies have been awarded major contracts for the project.
The European Investment Bank announced €5m anchor investment into the Middle East Venture Capital Fund. Once launched it will be the first venture capital fund in the Palestinian Territory and will target the ICT sector.