Main reports: On 14 February the Palestinian Monetary Authority announced that a new fully electronic inter- bank payment system will be launched in September 2010.
A number of donors have transferred funds or made aid commitments for 2010, including the UK (£74m), the Netherlands (€40m), Norway ($40.5m), the EU (€22.8m) and Japan ($12m). Latest projections show that external financing of $1.21bn is required to cover the PA’s current budget in 2010.
The Palestine Investment Conference (PIC) for SMEs will take place in Bethlehem on 2-3 June.
Preliminary financial data for 2009 was released for companies listed on the Palestine Securities Exchange. Out of 39 listed companies, 30 companies reported profits and 26 companies recorded an improved performance compared to last year.