With the closing days of 2009, we want to thank you for your continued work and support, wish you Happy Holidays and give you a quick progress report on our numerous projects, for which you have partnered with us.
As the current Administration continues to push for a comprehensive Israeli-Palestinian Peace, innovative economic development solutions and dialogue can provide a foundation for sustainable peace between the two peoples. The US-Palestinian Partnership (UPP) serves as a fundamental stepping-stone for achieving these goals and the state-building objectives laid out by Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad.
Building on its past success, the US-Palestinian Partnership (UPP) launched a special effort on September 22, 2009, with a particular focus on private sector development. During our September meeting we identified specific projects and initiatives in several economic sectors: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Hotel/Tourism and Agribusiness. In the short time since September we have made considerable progress on these projects.
In the Information and Communication Technology Sector we have:
- Supported Cisco's outsourcing model, in which ICT contracts are given to Palestinian software companies, identified by Cisco as world-class level. Cisco's continuous leadership and efforts have made this model a business success. We hope to report additional Palestinian companies contracted by Cisco, as well as additional US companies to complement the Cisco model and provide contracts to Palestinian companies in early 2010.
- With Yadin Kaufman and Saed Nashef's leadership, the Middle East Venture Capital Fund (MEVCF) secured investment of about $7 million from the European Investment Bank (signing event with PM Fayyad to take place this week in Ramallah). We have been working very closely with other key potential US investors and individuals and we hope to report to you outcomes in early 2010, bringing the fund very close to its fundraising target. Once operational, the MEVCF will invest in early stage Palestinian ICT companies to catapult the sector into growth and job creation. We continue to look for additional investors.
In 2010 we will:- Take an ICT/Venture delegation to the West Bank to further investments and partnerships. We look forward to your participation (date TBD).
- Support the launch of a robust Incubation Project that will include training and mentorship for Palestinian ICT leaders and entrepreneurs.
In the Hotel and Tourism Sector we have:
- Held a preliminary trip to the West Bank, to consult with our partners at the State Department and the Blair Team on creating tour packages to boost tourism flow to the region.
- With the leadership of Eric Hilton, John Bowen at the University of Houston and the assistance and guidance of Greg Khalil and Todd Deatherage of the Kairos Project, we were able to make initial contact and progress toward a partnership between the Conrad Hilton College at the University of Houston and the Bethlehem University School of Hospitality. This partnership will include assistance in curriculum, job placement and on-line training. Students would receive a University of Houston certification upon graduation.
In 2010 we will:- Take a Hotel and Tourism delegation to the West Bank to move forward the creation of tour packages, conclude the University partnership, and explore investment opportunities to increase diversity and volume of hospitality facilities. We look forward to your participation (date TBD).
In the Agribusiness Sector we have:
- Made initial contact between Palestinian business leaders and PurFresh, an American company that infuses oxygen into warehouses where agricultural products are stored, which preserves them for an extended period of time. We look to use this technology to allow export of Palestinian goods to US and other markets. This product will provide the Palestinians an alternative to high-end airfreight.
- Consulted with partners in the UK on their successful model of linking UK business with Palestinian produce. We plan to learn and implement elements of this model with US markets.
In 2010 we will:- Facilitate models to export Palestinian produce to US markets.
- Explore market linkages between US hotel chains in the Middle East and Palestinian produce and products.
As you can imagine, all of this work requires many resources: human and financial. We are grateful for the leadership of our Chair, Secretary Madeleine K. Albright and the President of the Aspen Institute, Walter Isaacson. We are very thankful for the support we receive from our Council of Co-Chairs and those who were able to financially support our work. We are extremely thankful for all of the assistance, time, and guidance we receive from our working partners: Zika Abzuk (Cisco), Jean Case, Michael Smith and Kristin Ivie from the Case Foundation, Greg Khalil and Todd Deatherage (the Kairos Project), Cheryl Steele (BAH) and our partners in the US Department of State and USAID: Dave Harden, Sahar Khoury Kincannon, Matthew Stephenson, and many others
Given UPP's track record of success and the overwhelming support we have received from our partners, we have no doubt that UPP will continue to achieve its objectives. In order to be successful in this endeavor we do need your continued leadership, wise counsel, partnership and financial support.
If you have suggestions or wish to make a donation, please let us know. Please don't hesitate to contact Toni Verstandig, Executive Director of the Middle East Programs at tonigverstandig@aol.com or (202) 736-3843, or Mickey Bergman, Director of the UPP at mickeybergman@gmail.com or (703) 944-3995.
To a Happy Holiday Season and a great New Year,
The UPP Team
Toni G. Verstandig and Mickey Bergman