Ramallah, 15 December 2021 (TDI): The United States and Palestine organized a virtual meeting to renew the US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue (USPED). The gathering brought together a wide range of agencies and ministries from the US government and the Palestinian Authority.
This senior-level dialogue discussed areas of economic cooperation and was the first in its type in five years. In that sense, the officials recognized the need for restored political and economic relations between the countries, and to increase deep cooperation and coordination across a range of sectors.
During the USPED, senior officials addressed key topics, including infrastructure development, access to U.S. markets and regulations, free trade, financial issues, renewable energy, and environmental initiatives. The common goal includes connecting Palestinian and American businesses and addressing obstacles to Palestinian economic development. The dialogue also included a discussion of international trade relations.
Remarks in the US-Palestinian Economic Dialogue
The two sides agreed to work on several crucial issues to advance the economic prosperity of the Palestinian people. The US government outlined programs on financial issues, trade, and promoting foreign direct investment. It also stressed the opportunity to increase collaboration on economic issues of shared importance.
During opening remarks, U.S. Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs noted, “Growing the Palestinian economy will also play a critical role in advancing our overarching political goal: a negotiated two-state solution, with a viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.”
Furthermore, Palestinian representatives included Minister of National Economy Khaled Al-Osaily, Governor Feras Melhem, Minister of Information Technology and Communication Ishaq Sider, Chairman of the Palestinian Energy & Natural Resources Authority Zafer Melhem, Environment Quality Authority Chairman Jameel Matour, Head of the Investment Promotion and Industrial Estate Haytham Al Wahidi, and Advisors to the Prime Minister, Estephan Salameh and Shakir Khalil.
By the US part, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lempert (U.S. Chair), Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israel and Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr, U.S. Palestinian Affairs Unit Chief George Noll, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Treasury Eric Meyer, Senior Commerce Official Robyn Kessler, USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator Megan Doherty, USAID West Bank and Gaza Mission Director Aler Grubbs, Development Finance Corporation Senior Advisor Kyle Murphy and other officials from the Departments of State, Treasury, Agriculture, Commerce and Energy; the U.S. Agency for International Development; and the Development Finance Corporation.
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