Land set aside for free trade zone in Gaza

The Palestinian government in Gaza has allocated some land to develop a free trade zone on the border with Egypt in Rafah. The move is seen as a contribution to the lifting of the Israeli-imposed blockade of the territory.

The Director of Public Relations in the Land Authority, Amal Shamali, told the media that the Palestinian Authority in Gaza has set aside more than 50 acres for the establishment of the commercial zone between Egypt and the Gaza Strip. “The commercial crossing,” she said, “will take up to 10 acres of land, while the balance will be allocated to the market zone itself.” Ms. Shamali was at pains to point out that all of the land involved is government-owned. “We are now waiting for Egyptian approval and the relevant agreements to be signed,” she added.

Economy Minister Dr. Aladdin El-Rafati said that the project serves the interests of Palestinian and Egyptians alike. “It will promote trade and be a focus for attracting Palestinian and Arab investment,” he said. “This will break the siege of Gaza and allow Gazan produce to go all over the world.”