JERUSALEM (AA) - The second meeting of Ankara Forum, which has been formed by Turkish, Israeli and Palestinian businessmen to boost economic cooperation, has started in Jerusalem on Wednesday.
Addressing the meeting, Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) Chairman Rifat Hisarciklioglu said that the Forum contributed to dialogue and direct communication among the societies of the three countries.
''We should develop concrete projects so that the obstacles which hinder improvement of Palestinian economy are lifted one by one. For instance we can set up joint companies to this end or we can form a think tank and contribute to political dialogue,'' Hisarciklioglu said.
Ahmet Azhayar, chairman of Palestinian Chambers Union, said that Palestinian economy could not develop as long as the Israeli pressure continued. Azhayar stressed that Israel didn't permit operation of Palestinian financial institutions in Jerusalem. He said that participation of Turkey would contribute to solution of political and economic problems.
Shraga Brosh, chairman of Israeli Manufacturers Union, said that the problems voiced by Azhayar should be sorted out by politicians, expressing hope about the Ankara Forum meetings.
The attendees will evaluate particularly industrial zones and the business climate in Palestine.
The first meeting of the Forum was held in Ankara on April 27th-28th, 2005.
2005-06-08