MAS Conference 2003: Enhancing the Capacity of the Palestinian Economy
The presentations and discussions at the conference focused on five main topics; firstly, the main indicators of Palestinian economic performance during both the occupation and transitional periods with focus on the development of Palestinian economic capacity. The second topic pertains to a Palestinian developmental vision, which should draw on successful international experiences to formulate a developmental strategy with clear goals that meet challenges and exploit opportunities to combine both the struggle for independence and the establishment of a state. The third topic discusses enhancing the capacity of the Palestinian economy through reforming distortions, improving productive and absorptive capacity, and reducing the heavy dependence on the Israeli economy as prerequisites for independence. The fourth topic examines the requirements for developing economic and trade relations with Arab and Islamic countries, which would be of common benefit and interest to both Palestinians and Arabs. The final topic is a critical review of the form and patterns of Palestinian economic relations with Israel, given that it is impossible to detach economics from politics in the Palestinian-Israeli relationship. Palestinian-Israeli economic relations do not have to cease but should be subjected to regulations that prevent further Israeli manipulation and intimidation of the Palestinian people.