Main reports: The Palestine Development and Investment Company (PADICO) intends to issue $70m of commercial bonds in the coming weeks. These commercial bonds will be the first of their kind in the Palestinian Territory.
The Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture has launched a consultation process to decide how to address the issue of rising food prices. As a net importer the impact of high world food prices is felt acutely within the Palestinian Territory.
Hotel activity increased by 24% in Q4 2010 on account of the Christmas season and relatively stable conditions. Work is underway to boost tourism in Bethlehem by the development of an action plan for the area.
Unemployment fell in the West Bank from 20.1% in Q3 to 16.9% in Q4 2010. In Gaza unemployment also fell, from 40.5% to 37.4%.