BETHLEHEM, West Bank /PNN / Monjed Jadou
Preparations are underway for the upcoming Palestine Food Expo, one of the largest food industry exhibitions in Palestine, as organizers met with Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia to discuss final arrangements ahead of the event's launch later this month.
A delegation from the Palestinian Food Traders Syndicate, headed by its chairman Waseem Daoud Ezzedine Al-Jaabari and members of the syndicate’s board, met with the governor in Bethlehem. The meeting was attended by Samir Hezboun, chairman of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chamber board member Yousef Rahhal.
During the meeting, Abu Alia praised the syndicate’s efforts to support the Palestinian economy through what he described as a nationally significant exhibition organized according to international standards.
He emphasized the critical role played by the private sector in sustaining the Palestinian economy, particularly amid the ongoing financial crisis facing the Palestinian government, noting that private businesses remain the largest source of employment for Palestinian workers.
The governor stressed the importance of shifting from emergency relief approaches toward sustainable development by expanding economic opportunities and supporting small-scale business initiatives. He added that major traders and investors can play a key role in strengthening economic resilience. Abu Alia also welcomed the decision to host the exhibition in Bethlehem, particularly in the Solomon’s Pools area, a historic site south of the city that Palestinian officials say faces growing pressures from Israeli settlement expansion. He said the event would help reinforce both public and official Palestinian presence in the area.
For his part, Al-Jaabari briefed the governor on the syndicate’s activities and its efforts to support the food trade and manufacturing sectors, as well as the broader Palestinian economy. He noted that the exhibition had been suspended because of the war and was being relaunched due to its economic and national significance.
More than 60 companies and food manufacturers from across the Palestinian territories are expected to participate, including businesses from Palestinian communities inside Israel, giving the event what organizers described as a strong national character.
According to organizers, the three-day exhibition will open on June 15 and will bring together government officials, governors, business leaders, bankers, trade unions and chamber representatives.
Al-Jaabari said attendance is expected to exceed 40,000 visitors. The first two days will focus on business networking and commercial agreements between manufacturers, traders and distributors, while the final day will be open to the public to showcase Palestinian food products. He also called for additional incentives and facilities for investors in Bethlehem and across Palestine, arguing that increased investment would help stimulate economic growth and create new opportunities for Palestinians.
Among the exhibition’s distinguishing features, he said, is the participation of companies from Palestinian communities inside Israel, alongside sponsorship from leading Palestinian corporations and banks.
Al-Jaabari also highlighted the syndicate’s social initiatives, including the “Sanabel Al-Khair” campaign, which has provided assistance to hundreds of Palestinian families in both Hebron and Bethlehem.
He thanked Bethlehem Governor Abu Alia for hosting the meeting and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry, describing it as an important partner in efforts to support local economic development.
Meanwhile, Hezboun outlined the difficult economic conditions facing Bethlehem Governorate and reviewed initiatives undertaken by the chamber to support local businesses and maintain economic sustainability.
He described economic exhibitions as among the chamber’s most important activities and said the Palestine Food Expo has grown into one of the most significant events not only in Palestine but also at the regional level.
He stressed the need for coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors to strengthen the economy and improve resilience amid ongoing challenges.
According to Hezboun, the exhibition carries four key messages: promoting economic growth through business partnerships and commercial deals; reinforcing the Palestinian identity of the historic Solomon’s Pools area; showcasing Palestinian food industries to local audiences; and boosting tourism and commercial activity through the participation of thousands of visitors, companies and manufacturers throughout the event.