Birzeit University & Japan ink new partnership to support Palestine’s ICT sector

Birzeit University announced a new agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Representative of Japan to Palestine on enhancing the ICT sector in Palestine, supporting the business development of Jericho Agro-Industrial Park, and organizing workshops and training courses for the university’s students. 

Birzeit University President Abdullatif Abuhijleh, Japanese Ambassador for Palestinian Affairs Takeshi Okubo, and Chief Representative of JICA Yuko Mitsui signed the memorandum of understanding in a special ceremony held on October 4, 2018.

President Abuhijleh said that this new partnership reflects the longstanding relationship between Palestine and Japan, because both believe in the importance of supporting the ICT sector by coordinating the work between academic institutions and the industrial sector. This coordination, according to Abuhijleh, will further foster the economic development of Palestine.

Ambassador Okubo expressed his pride in the new partnership, reaffirming the commitment of his country to supporting Palestinians by providing vibrant economic opportunities and empowering Palestinians with knowledge and innovative projects.

Mitsui noted that the agreement continues the efforts made by the Japanese government to support the Palestinian people. She emphasized that Japan focuses on bolstering the Palestinian economy in order to provide job opportunities for university graduates, who serve as the cornerstones for sustainable development.

The signing ceremony was attended by Director of Grants and Contracts Amir Khalil, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Wasel Ghanem, Chair of the Computer Science Department Samer Zein, and Professor of Computer Science Mamoun Nawahdah.