Bethlehem, 15 January 2022 (TDI): Dr. Feras Milhem, the Governor of the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA), along with his Deputy Mohammad Manasrah took a tour of the Bethlehem Governate as part of the tours to the Governate of Palestine to better understand the current economic reality of the country.
Major General Kamel Hamid, the Governor of Bethlehem explained how the country and Governate was suffering at the hands of the pandemic with the tourism sector taking a major hit.
Dr. Feras Milhem commended the resoluteness of the Bethlehem Governate, in the face of the ongoing challenges and expressed interest in developing the economic reality through the PMA and the banking sector.
The number of bounced cheques from banks operating within the Bethlehem Governate reduced by 53% in 2021 from the previous year. Additionally, it was also noted that the Bethlehem Governorate granted about $572.5 million in direct facilities. The value of customers’ deposits amount to about $1.308 million.
The PMA Governor also visited the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bethlehem Governate where he met with the Head of the Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Samir Hazboun. Dr. Milhem was briefed on the latest developments in the banking sector and also launched the sustainability fund in a bid to support small projects.
Dr. Feras Milhem visited the University of Bethlehem and met its President Dr. Peter Bray and the Vice President Dr. Iyad Twal. Dr. Milhem stressed the importance of partnering up with universities to disseminate the importance of banking culture amongst students and to prepare them for digital development.
The Governor also listened to the problems merchants face in dealing with banks, he promised to ease their difficulties by directing banks to provide services to the businessmen and merchants.
He also made known that the PMA is working tirelessly to establish a digital infrastructure and electronic payment which will work significantly towards the solving of the problems faced by merchants.
