Neal S. Wolin, deputy secretary of the treasury, remarks, Palestine Investment Conference, June 2, 2010:
“The two year-plan says, ‘People are the most important and most precious asset in Palestine.’ To make those words a reality, you are working to strengthen education, especially in technology, the sciences, and economics. Those investments—in institutions, in sound policies, and in people will help make it possible for private enterprise to flourish in the years to come. …
“Let us be clear: the obstacles to the Palestinian private sector remain challenging. The recent GDP growth numbers, impressive as they are, reflect the extent of donor-funded fiscal stimulus. For growth to be sustainable, it must be driven by the private sector. Israel’s cooperation will be important to this effort. Further progress on issues related to movement and access of both people and goods will be needed. But President Abbas, Prime Minister Fayyad, you have made clear—both by your words and by your actions—that it is up to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, first and foremost, to take the lead; to lay the foundations for growth; not just to demand progress, but to make progress. And while there is still a long way to go, there are signs that your work is bearing fruit. …
“[Last] Monday’s tragic incident underscores the need to move forward with negotiations to resolve the conflict and establish a comprehensive peace as soon as possible. At the same time, building a viable, prosperous Palestinian state requires economic reform, institution-building, and the cultivation of a vibrant and healthy private sector—all key elements of the two-year plan—as much as it requires direct political dialogue to produce a negotiated outcome. The United States is and will continue to be your partner in this effort.”
