Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Syrian President Bashar Assad (AP)
The rewards of economic cooperation will be felt the moment that Israel and the PA set out on the path toward a stable political arrangement, allowing them to reap the benefits of the above-mentioned opportunities, backed by widespread support from the donor community in the form of financial aid, trade and investment incentives, technical assistance, and political support.
In order to enable business-sector players to work effectively in embracing the business opportunities mentioned in the above section, the following issues must be addressed by the respective governments:
The creation of a business- and trade-friendly border-crossing regime, while maintaining the highest standards of security.
The replacement of other elements of the current closure system via agreed-upon mechanisms and facilities that will satisfy Israeli security concerns.
The modification of border-regime and customs-control procedures (in spheres like vegetable and veterinary control, the entry of uncertified products etc.) in a manner that suits the new situation, which includes (1) open passages between the PA and neighboring Arab countries (currently between Gaza and Egypt, but in the future probably also between the PA and Jordan, as well as through the Gaza seaport and airport); and (2) the channeling of all Israeli-Palestinian trade through a fully operational system of border-crossings. Access the full report>>