As part of its ongoing efforts to develop infrastructure and enhance the local economy, the Bethlehem Municipality participated in a Zoom meeting dedicated to examining the needs of the Central Market and discussing development proposals, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The meeting was attended by Bethlehem Mayor Maher Nicola Canawati, Central Market Official Ibrahim Fanoun, along with West Bank Market Development Expert Dr. Mazen Ghannam, FAO Civil Engineer Imad Al-Hajj, and FAO Projects Director Engineer Hussam Al-Hudhud.
The attendees discussed ways to rehabilitate the Central Market, including improving entrances and exits, and organizing it administratively and technically, ensuring a safe and organized commercial environment that caters to the needs of traders and shoppers and contributes to stimulating economic activity in the heart of the city. The project’s implementation phases were also reviewed, and it was announced that the tender award procedures are being monitored by FAO, in preparation for the commencement of implementation work in the near future.
It is worth noting that the project is being implemented with support from FAO, a United Nations agency dedicated to supporting food security and agricultural and rural development. This partnership is part of FAO’s efforts to empower Palestinian municipalities and enhance their capacity to provide modern commercial infrastructure that meets the needs of the local community and supports sustainable development.