Hebron, West Bank – Dr. Rajiv Shah, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), met with Palestinian agricultural producers on Wednesday to discuss the local agricultural sector. During the meeting, representatives from 13 agricultural producers presented the Administrator with their products and discussed their relations with international buyers.

Noting that he recognized some of the products on display from his own home, Dr. Shah stated “Having Palestinian products sold throughout the world will help Palestinian firms open to world trends, preferences and adopt new technologies required to produce world-class products, which will positively support economic growth and employment for Palestinians.”

USAID’s technical assistance has improved Palestinians’ access to capital, quality of products and services, job skills and the export supply chain, thereby increasing Palestinian private sector exports by $25 million in 2012-2013. USAID assisted agriculture producers negotiate 15 forward contracts valued at $8 million and to participate in international trade shows and organized visits with international agribusinesses and distributors. As a result of USAID assistance, several companies - including Canaan Fare Trade Company, Nakheel for Agricultural Investment, Al-Hithnawi Group and several others - established business relations with international buyers and boosted their exports. The U.S. is the leading provider of bilateral development assistance to the Palestinians, having provided $4.5 billion since 1994. USAID provides assistance to Palestinian industries in order to create jobs and help companies pursue opportunities in domestic and regional markets.

For more information on U.S. assistance, please contact: Sahar Kalifa at wbgpro@usaid.gov or call 03-511-4845.