Sustainable economic development

Employment and Infrastructure

Since 1995, Sida has supported a programme whose objective is the creation of employment opportunities through the rehabilitation of infrastructure such as schools, youth clubs, roads and small-scale infrastructure. Support goes also to a project that involves equipping women's centres.

Bethlehem

As part of the preparations for the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, Sweden has contributed financially to the physical rehabilitation of the Old Town of Bethlehem; the Manger Square in front of the Nativity Church has been transformed from a parking lot for tourist buses into a lively plaza with leafy trees and sprinkling fountains. Adjacent to the square on the site of the former police station a building has been erected , named the Peace Centre which is to become a venue for cultural activities and a forum for dialogue between people. In addition, through rehabilitation of other streets, narrow lanes and small squares, a general environment that invites strolling at leasure for tourists and pilgrims has been created, which is also for the benefit of local commerce.

Stormwater and Sewage management in Northern Gaza

Sweden is supporting the Palestinian Water Authority in its long term programme to improve the sanitary conditions in northern Gaza. The Swedish support has focused on improving the situation for the 260 000 people who live under difficult sanitary conditions in the Jabalya refugee camp. By improving collection, storage and infiltration of stormwater, laying of new pipelines, construction of pumpstations, as well as upgrading of existing treatment facilities for sewage treatment, considerable improvement to the sanitary conditions has been achieved. Over the next few years, a new sewage treatment plant will be constructed, partly with Swedish financing.

Trade and Industry

The overall goal of support to the business sector is the promotion of economic development and employment. Support is given to the development of Palestinian businesses; training programmes for entrepreneurs are financed; support is also given to Palestinian textile exports and to six chambers of commerce in the West Bank.

Financial Market

Sweden is also supporting the development of the Palestinian financial market by for example:

• Technical assistance for making new draft laws;
• Twinning project between the Palestinian and Swedish Stock Exchange;
• A financial advisor to the Palestinian Ministry of Finance.