MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
I am pleased to announce the Australian Government has committed $2 million towards the sustainable development of the rural sector in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The agricultural sector is the largest employer of Palestinian labour and offers the greatest potential to improve living standards by increasing exports. AusAID's Agricultural Training and Capacity Project will deliver tangible economic benefits to rural Palestinians.
The aim of the Project is to improve the income and standard of living for rural Palestinians by delivering targeted, short-term training and technical assistance over four years.
The Project will address a range of constraints to agricultural development in the Palestinian Territories by focusing on human resource development and strengthening the Ministry of Agriculture's capacity to identify, manage and deliver technical assistance and training to farmers. Financial benefits to farmers will flow from better policy decisions, a better understanding of market opportunities, and the ability to attract international investment. Palestinian women, who play an important role in agricultural production, will gain a significant share of the benefits flowing from the Project.
The Agricultural Training and Capacity Project will make an important and positive contribution to the Middle East peace process.
NEW YORK (4.12.97)
Media contacts:
Margaret Thomas (Mr Downer's office) 02 6277 7500
Deborah Nesbitt (AusAID) 02 6206 4966