Belgian Government Announces Opening of Trade Office in the Palestinian Territories

Ramallah, June 21 (QNA) - Palestinian Minister of National Economy Khaled Al Esseily received Belgian Minister of Foreign Trade Pascal Smith today, in the presence Speaker of the Belgian Parliament Rachid Madrane.
During the meeting, the two sides agreed on mechanisms to increase the volume of trade exchange between the two countries, which currently amounted to $48 million.
The two sides reviewed areas of cooperation in various economic sectors and investment advantages that can be worked on in the Palestinian territories.
Al Esseily expressed his appreciation for the continuous support provided by Belgium to the Palestinian economy, and the decision to label the goods of the Israeli settlements built on the occupied lands, noting that the decision is a step in the right path.
According to a statement, carried by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), Smith announced the Belgian government's intention to open a commercial representative office in the Palestinian territories to consolidate cooperation relations and establish partnerships between businessmen in both countries, and to explore investment opportunities in various economic sectors.
The Belgian side also voiced its support for the Palestinian government's efforts in economic development, and for moving forward with the implementation of the cooperation program between the two countries, with a value of 70 million euros, during the period (2022-2026), in addition to its commitment to the decision to label Israeli settlement products. (QNA)