Main reports: The Government of Israel has taken steps to ease the flow of goods into the Gaza Strip. Special arrangements have been established for the entry of construction materials.
The Palestinian Banking Corporation (PBC) has set up a $2.5m fund for agriculture, which could increase to $10m in the longer term. Loans of $10,000 – $100,000 will be available for agricultural engineers and farmers.
Zawya, a leading online source for investors, has agreed to publish data on the Palestinian market from the brokerage firm Sahem Trading and Investments Company. With over 70,000 subscribers Zawya will expose the Palestinian market to a greater number of investors.
The US Overseas Private Investment Corporation has approved $30m of financing for the Palestinian private equity fund Siraj. The fund is expected to launch later in 2010 and hopes to raise a total capital of $80m.