Palestinian Economic Bulletin

Main reports: Dubai-based Rasmala Investment Bank launched the Palestine Equity Fund, with a $15m initial investment by the Palestine Investment Fund. The fund will make equity investments in the Palestinian Territory.

Unemployment fell in Gaza from 37.4% in Q4 2010 to 30.8% in Q1 2011. In the West Bank it increased from 16.9% to 17.4%.

Figures out this month show that in 2010 49% of Palestinian households had a computer and 29% of households had an internet connection. More than 93% of households owned a mobile phone.

The European Commission announced a new financial package of €85m to pay the salaries and pensions of key workers, as well as supporting vulnerable Palestinian families.