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British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy visits the OPTs

Baroness Morris of Bolton, visited the West Bank to support business links between Palestinian and British firms.

Morris

British Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Kuwait and Jordan, Baroness Morris of Bolton, visited the West Bank this week to support business links between Palestinian and British firms. During her visit to the Occupied Palestinian Territories, she met senior Palestinian officials and business leaders and visited businesses and projects in East Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah.

The Baroness met Palestinian Minister of National Economy, Ms Abeer Odeh, and the Mayor of Bethlehem, Ms Vera Baboun, to discuss how to encourage more trade and investment links between the UK and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Additionally, the Baroness visited several economic projects in Jericho, such as Jericho Gate, Al-Nakheel Date Farm and the Jericho Industrial Estate. In Bethlehem, the Baroness had the chance to visit the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Raed Cosmetics Company. She also met Palestinian business men and women to discuss future opportunities for partnership. Finally, the Baroness met a diverse group of young professionals from Jerusalem to discuss their hopes and aspirations for the future.

At the end of the visit, the Baroness said:

I wanted to come back to the Occupied Palestinian Territories to meet key Palestinian officials and entrepreneurs and to discuss ideas that will develop the existing links between Palestinian and British firms. I’m fully aware of the challenges that the Palestinian private sector faces, but I’m a firm believer in its potential and the role that the UK can play in assisting in the building of its capabilities.

Published 2 October 2015