Palestinian Fair Trade to Support Local Products held in Campus

The first trade show for Palestinian companies was inaugurated by Birzeit Friends Association at Birzeit University, on April 11,2016, showcasing and demonstrating their latest national products.

The money raised from selling products at the trade show will goes to the students’ coupon system, formed by Bizeit University Association in 2002, which will serve 300 in-need students. The system is partially supported by The Palestinian Cultural Centre in Amman and a number of Palestinian private sector companies.   

Organized in partnership with Palestine Society for Consumer Protection, the trade show is dedicated to show the variety of quality products made in Palestine, aiming at encouraging consumers  and promoting Palestinian products as a driving force in Palestinian sustainable economic development and independence.

The event was attended by Birzeit University Vice President for Academic Affairs Henry Giacman, Vice President for Administrative and Financial Affairs Adel Zagha, a number of Palestinian business figures and the university’s staff and student.

“ The private sector has grown significantly in its role of supporting education”, Chair of Birzeit University Friends Association Muhammad Al Masrouji said. “ Jointly with these companies, Birzeit University Friends Association strives to improve efficiency and quality of manpower production while trying to contribute in achieving social equity.”

“ This event is a key contribution to the socio-economic development. We are excited to see this number of companies and participants excited to support education and offer it to all students and those who are in need of financial assistance,” Giacman said. He added that this show trado promotes Palestinian national products and calls to dispense with Israeli products.”

Head of the Palestinian Consumer Protection Society Salah Haniyeh alluded to the recent boycott decisions that called for the boycott of six Israeli companies that have a Palestinian alternative: Tnuva, Strauss, Osem, Elite, Prigat and Jafora. “Despite the lack of robust implementation mechanisms to boycott Israeli products and support national ones in the previous years, we are finally going to the right direction as we are  working on developing a food system that continues to support local producers and food makers and as a result contribute to  the economic growth in Palestine.”

Three sponsorships were offered: Siniora Company- a diamond sponsor, Al-Masrouji Group- a Golden sponsor, in addition to National Insurance Company and Ajyal Radio Network.