KSA delivers COVID aid to Palestine

King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has delivered a third batch of medical aid from KSA to the Palestinian Ministry of Health to help in its COVID-19 efforts, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The aid package includes ventilators, intensive-care beds, operation tables and patient-monitoring equipment for Palestinian hospitals and health centres specialised in treating COVID patients.

The move executes on directives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of KSA, and HRH the Crown Prince to stand with all sisterly countries in dealing with COVID-19.

Palestinian organisation wins IDB Prize for Women's Contribution to Development

The 12th Islamic Development Bank Prize for Women's Contribution to Development in the Organisation category has been awarded to women-led Dunya Center of Palestine for its outstanding work in providing screening, early detection, rehabilitation, survivorship services and information and for extending its services to families of the affected women.

The announcement was made by Dr Bandar Hajjar, President of the Islamic Development Bank Group, who explained that the selection process was carried out by an independent committee of expert women external to IDB and representing different parts of the Islamic world.
 
The Islamic Development Bank Prize for Women's Contribution to Development was established in 2006, with a view to highlighting the important role played by Muslim women in developing local communities. Since 2006, the prizes have been awarded to 40 laureates under the Individual and Organisation categories from 27 countries. This year's edition of the prize is presented to women and women organisations who have played a prominent role in the prevention and control of cancer.
 
The award ceremony is to be held in conjunction with the 42nd Annual Meeting of IDB’s Board of Governors, which will take place in Jeddah, KSA on 17 and 18 May 2017.

IMF forecasts challenging year for Palestine

• Strong revenue mobilisation efforts contributed to a marked reduction in the 2016 fiscal deficit
• 2017 is likely to be a very challenging year for the Palestinian economy
• Budget pressures require continued strong domestic policies, more donor support, and more predictable revenue transfers from Israel.

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission led by Karen Ongley visited East Jerusalem and Ramallah from January 31 to February 9, 2017 to assess recent economic developments in the West Bank and Gaza and the financial situation of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The mission met with Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, Finance Minister Shukry Bishara, Governor Azzam Shawwa, and other Palestinian officials. At the end of the mission, Ongley issued the following statement that outlined "increasingly difficult conditions" for the Palestinian economy.

“While we estimate that GDP growth increased from 3.5% in 2015 to 4% in 2016, this was not sufficient to generate new jobs and unemployment rose to more than 28% in September. Consumption is still the primary driver of growth, as political uncertainties and access restrictions continue to inhibit private sector investment across the West Bank. While donor-funded reconstruction in Gaza continued, aid disbursements were delayed and humanitarian conditions remain dire, particularly as the provision of public services worsens," Ongley noted in the statement.

“The Ministry of Finance and Planning managed these testing circumstances skillfully. Strong revenue mobilisation efforts contributed to a marked reduction in the 2016 fiscal deficit. In particular, discussions between the PA and government of Israel contributed to the payment of past obligations to the PA and these one-off factors helped to increase tax and non-tax receipts by about two percentage points of GDP. The sharp increase in total revenue saw the recurrent deficit decline to 5.6% of GDP in 2016 from 9.6% of GDP in 2015. However, a further decline in donor budget support contributed to a financing shortfall and the accumulation of arrears.

“Notwithstanding recent progress on the budget, 2017 is likely to be a very challenging year. We therefore welcome the prudent approach in the 2017 budget of assuming lower donor support and no additional one-off transfers from Israel. Despite efforts to bolster domestic receipts, the assumed decline in clearance revenue and other payments from Israel points to a reduction in overall revenues, while spending pressures remain. The recurrent deficit is projected to widen by about 2% of GDP and, with another 15% decline in donor budget support, this would result in a financing gap of almost 6% of GDP."

The IMG encourages the authorities "to build on recent efforts and explore mitigating options. In the near term, this could include considering contingency measures such as limiting the increase in the wage bill to inflation, as this is the largest expenditure item."

Ongley's mission statement also noted that the upcoming Public Financial Management (PFM) strategy could help to enhance the efficiency of spending and promote lasting fiscal improvements. "An action plan of well-prioritised PFM measures could also provide a strong basis for increased donor engagement and support for the government’s priorities in the context of the 2017-2022 National Policy Agenda. Other priority areas include civil service and pension reform, as adopting a strategic approach to the wage bill would free up resources for priority public investments," she stated, identifying the reversal of the decline in donor support and continued discussions with the Israel government on enhancing and improving the predictability of revenue transfers as key success factors.

Ongley disclosed that the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) remains committed to strengthening the anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) framework, in line with international standards. "In this context, we welcome the constructive working relationship between the Palestine Monetary Authority (PMA) and Bank of Israel. Another important step is the PMA’s recently accepted request for a comprehensive AML/CFT evaluation by Middle East & North Africa Task Force (MENAFATF)*, along with plans to continue with AML/CFT-related reforms, with technical support from the IMF and other development partners," she stated in her mission report.

*MENAFATF combats laundering and terrorist financing.

Singapore appoints non-resident Representative to the Palestinian Territories

Singapore Senior Minister of State (SMS), Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman, has reiterated Singapore’s commitment to support the capacity-building efforts of the Palestinian people during a working visit to the Palestinian Territories.

In a meeting with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas, PNA Prime Minister Dr Rami Hamdallah, PNA Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Riyad Al-Maliki, PNA Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Sabri Saidam, and PNA Minister of National Economy Abeer Odeh in Ramallah, SMS Maliki disclosed that Singapore is appointing Hawazi Daipi as Singapore’s non-resident Representative to the PNA to coordinate Singapore’s Enhanced Technical Assistance Package for the Palestinians.

The PNA leaders welcomed the appointment.

SMS Maliki also reiterated Singapore’s consistent position and longstanding support for the two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security. He expressed the hope that both sides would resume negotiations and make progress towards a just and durable solution.

Bank of Palestine, Royal Jordanian to launch co-branded My Miles MasterCard

The Bank of Palestine and Royal Jordanian (RJ) will launch a co-branded MasterCard called My Miles as part of RJ’s efforts to enhance its market share, build awareness of the commercial existence in the Palestinian market and encourage bank customers to use credit cards.

The agreement grants MasterCard holders miles for purchases made through the My Miles card whereby they will earn one Royal Plus mile against each dollar spent using the card locally or abroad and whether the purchase is performed in the market or online.

Chairman and CEO of the Bank of Palestine Hashem Shawwa said that this one-of-a-kind agreement offers privileges to its customers and credit card holders and encourages them to use credit cards. He added that the Bank of Palestine is a leading institution in developing the culture of using credit cards.

Vice President and Regional Manager, Levant, MasterCard Basel El Tell said that MasterCard is pleased to be part of this agreement. Launching this co-branded credit card is an indication of the commitment of MasterCard to offer products and solutions with added values to customers.

RJ’s Chief Commercial Officer Server Aydin said RJ is glad of this partnership with the Bank of Palestine, one of the largest banking institutions in Palestine, and with MasterCard worldwide, which has distinguished relationship with RJ on several fronts. He said that issuing “My Miles” MasterCard is bound to enhance the privileges RJ offers its loyal customers.

Aydin added that Royal Plus (RJ’s frequent flyer program) sees an increased demand, due to the advantages it gives its members, the most significant being access to business lounges at international airports, free excess baggage, upgrade to Crown Class and free tickets to fly RJ or any other oneworld carriers.

He said that Royal Jordanian is currently working on increasing the privileges and rewards offered by the programme to the members. As part of its social responsibility initiatives RJ already enables its frequent flyers to donate their accrued miles for the benefit of King Hussein Cancer Foundation.

There are several commercial bilateral contracts between RJ and local and international companies which contribute to increasing membership in RJ's frequent flyer programme. Similar contracts have been signed with the Arab Bank, Jordan Kuwait Bank, Karam Imseeh Jewelry, American Express, Leaders Center, Sbitany and Sbitany Home/Palestine.

Bank of Palestine backs Business Women Forum initiatives

The Business Women Forum, in partnership with the Bank of Palestine, has launched a training programme and the I am an Entrepreneur 2016 contest.

Logo for the I am an Entrepreneur contest.

Since 2011, the Business Women Forum has targeted young women entrepreneurs through a programme to develop their skills and capabilities, in order to enable them to develop business plans and apply business ideas effectively. The women entrepreneurs receive intensive training that help them create new job opportunities. The training programme is implemented through the Business Development Center, the Forum’s technical arm, which provides all types of assistance in order to advance the businesses owned by women in Palestine.

This programme is an integral part of Felestineya (Editor's note: Palestine woman), a non-financial advisory service provided by the bank since 2014 through collaboration with the Forum to empower Palestinian women. 

The I am an Entrepreneur contest also aims to empower women. It promotes a competitive spirit between women entrepreneurs, encourages them to start or develop their own businesses, and helps them fulfill their ambitions. The first-place winner will receive US$5,000, while the second and third-place winners will each receive US$2,500.

Eligible women must have serious ideas for businesses, or an existing project. They should demonstrate the ability to develop their own profitable businesses. The contestants receive training in writing business plans, including consultations to develop or start their own businesses. They will also get guidance from the Business Development Center, which connects them with new markets and sources of funding for capital.

Interested?

Read the terms and conditions for the I am an Entrepreneur contest (Arabic)

KSA's Ministry of Haj meets with delegations from Afghanistan, Palestine on Hajj 2016

Source: Ministry of Haj, KSA. HH the Minister of
Haj, Dr Bandar Hajjar met with the Office of
Afghan Pilgrims delegation.

The Ministry of Haj in KSA is currently carrying out a plan to coordinate with Hajj Office delegations regarding the arrangements and requirements of their pilgrims coming to perform Hajj 2016 (1437).

As part of the plan, HH the Minister of Haj, Dr Bandar Hajjar met with the Office of Afghan Pilgrims delegation, headed by HH the Minister of Guidance and Hajj, Faidh Mohammed Othmani; and the Office of Palestinian Pilgrims delegation, headed by HH Sheikh Yusuf Ida'is Ismael; in order to discuss the topics related to organising their pilgrims' affairs, their housing and transportation, and ritual and procedural aspects.

HH the Minister of Haj prefaced each meeting with a focus on the efforts of the KSA, led by The Two Holy Mosques Custodian, HH the Crown Prince, and HH the Deputy Crown Prince, to simplify and streamline each Hajj. Such efforts include the expansions of the Two Holy Mosques, the Masaa (the way between Al-Safa and Al-Marwah hills), and the Mataf (the area surrounding Ka'abah); the execution of the Holy Sites train, the Two Holy Mosques train project, and the government's continuous efforts to make the way of Hajj and umrah pilgrims easier. 

He stressed the importance of the programmes prepared by the Ministry of Haj, including promoting pilgrims' awareness before their arrival to the Holy Lands, compliance with transportation programs in order to maintain pilgrims' safety, and the early expiration of air transport and housing contracts.

During the meeting, organisation of pilgrim affairs for Hajj 2016 were dicussed, including housing and transportation, ritual and procedural aspects, the services provided to them by Arbab Al-Tawaif Establishments, The Unified Agents Office, and General Cars Syndicate; and the mutual cooperation in Umrah pilgrims' services.

Both the Afghan and the Palestinian ministers lauded the continuous improvements provided by the Saudi government, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. These achievements include the expansions of Two Holy Mosques, the Mataf, and Al-Masjid an-Nabawī (Prophet's Mosque); and the Holy Sites train. These projects have enabled pilgrims to perform their rituals more easily. 

In addition, both the ministers have admired the technical works of the Ministry of Haj, as well as the pilgrim's electronic portal, which is considered a great development in pilgrims' service to facilitate their affairs. They also praised the organisation and cooperation of the Ministry of Haj, and all related authorities.

Pilgrims numbers are nearly 24,000 for Afghanistan and 6,600 for Palestine respectively.

Interested?

View the videos of the Afghan and Palestinian ministers commenting on the achievements of the Saudi government with regards to the Hajj (Arabic).

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the Ministry of Haj's overview of Hajj 2016
Read the Suroor Asia blog post about the Pakistani meeting with the Ministry of Haj on Hajj 2016

ERC provides infrastructure in Palestine

The Emirates News Agency (WAM) has reported that the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) organisation recently completed three development projects worth more than AED3.8 million in Palestine.

The projects include the construction of a two-storey and two-minaret mosque in Deir Qaddis west of Ramallah, to serve 1,200 worshippers; an additional storey for the girls' school in Deir Istiya town in the Salfit Governorate, to accommodate an additional 500 students; and 100 water wells to serve 100 farming families in villages in Hebron Governorate, southern West Bank.

Suppliers needed to execute on Arab Women's Enterprise Fund projects

A networking event for potential suppliers which can deliver on the Arab Women's Enterprise Fund (AWEF) programme has been set for March 18 for Jordan and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs).

The 10 million-pound fund aims to empower poor women in Egypt, Jordan and the OPTs, increase their income and well-being and ultimately improving their livelihoods and growth opportunities. The programme will do this by increasing their participation in markets through working with market actors to encourage the adoption of new practices and also by addressing constraints in the enabling environment. 

The UK Department for International Development (DFID) will work with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) which will contribute an additional 10 million pounds in shari'ah-compliant concessionary finance through financial intermediaries. The tender for DFID's half of the programme is available at the DFID Supplier Portal. 

The AWEF Supplier Networking Google Site  is now live. Those interested to join can email roopa-hinton@dfid.gov.uk. More information on the networking event is available from m-sansour@dfid.gov.uk. 

CIMB Islamic Bank donates RM1 million to MERCY Malaysia for Gaza effort

CIMB Islamic Bank has donated RM1,000,000 to MERCY Malaysia, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) which has been providing relief in the Gaza Strip.

The donation will be used by MERCY Malaysia to provide immediate medical assistance as well as to assess other requirements, such as food and nutritional needs. The donation will also be channelled to fund MERCY Malaysia’s collaborative works with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for
Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), an agency which provides services encompassing education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance. 

Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Islamic Bank (second from left) handing over a mock cheque to Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia (third from left), to mark the bank's donation of RM1 million to Gaza relief efforts. Looking on are Ahmad Faezal Mohamed, Executive Director of MERCY Malaysia (left) and Hartini Zainudin, Country Representative for UNRWA in Malaysia (right).

Badlisyah Abdul Ghani, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Islamic Bank, handed over a mock cheque to Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia in a ceremony held at the bank’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. Also present were Ahmad Faezal Mohamed, Executive Director of MERCY Malaysia and Hartini Zainudin, Country Representative for UNRWA in Malaysia.

“We hope that our contribution will aid towards bringing relief to those in need. More importantly, we pray for the end of the conflict and violence
as too many innocent lives have perished,” said Badlisyah.

“We are thankful for the unceasing work that these NGOs perform to provide humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians and refugees. We hope that more corporates and Malaysians in general will support these NGOs by donating to their relief funds.”