Palestinian investors' conference to present $1.9 billion worth of projects

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
An upcoming investors' conference in the West Bank will offer $1.9 billion worth of projects, said Palestinian Authority Information Minister Riyad al-Malki Monday. Approximately $1 billion of that will be construction projects, he said. The conference is being held May 21-23 in the biblical town of Bethlehem. Organizers say local business people have to provide at least 20 percent of the financing before they can present their projects at the conference. The gathering is another attempt to revive the Palestinian economy after years of downturn. Construction is seen as a safe investment because of high demand for housing and because it doesn't require Israel to remove travel restrictions in the West Bank.