Third Conference
Final Communique And Recommendation

Under the patronage of President Yasser Arafat and the sponsorship of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MOPIC) /Dept. of Expatriate Affairs, THE THIRD CONFERENCE OF PALESTINIAN EXPATRIATES was held in Palestine: 19-22,july, 1999 (Khan Younis-Gaza and Hebron/Al-Khaleel, . Palestinians from the Diaspora and from Palestine Attended the Conference. They were businessmen, activists, professionals and laymen.

Palestinian National Authority, Ministries, Legislators, High Ranking Officials, Representatives of the Private Sector, Local and Expatriates participated in the Conference’ deliberations.

President Arafat Representative and Dr. Nabil Shaath, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, spoke at both Opening Sessions in Khan Younis(Gaza) and Al-Khaleel/Hebron.

Other sessions discussed economic, social, and cultural issues and other topics of interest to Palestinian expatriates. Some workshops were held and visit to industrial, cultural and tourist sites were made during the four-day Conference. President Arafat received the conferees in Gaza. An Optional Program was scheduled (23-28,July), whereby some participants visited main Palestinian cities and governorates.

The following is a summary of the Conference RECOMMENDATIONS:

# Expatriates are an important segment of the Palestinian People and we should strength their ties with their mother country, Palestine.

# Expatriates should organize themselves in their adopted country to influence political and economic decisions in favor of the Palestinian Cause.

# Diaspora Palestinians should help in the economic development and hence the establishment of the independent state of Palestine. There are many profitable investment opportunities in Palestine, but the laws and regulations need be enacted and enforced.

# To attract foreign investment, The General Investment Commission has to become more effective. The Department of Expatriates Affairs need be well staffed and well financed so they can reach more expatriates and convince them to invest and shoulder the burden of development with their capital and expertise.

# Palestinian Diaspora should establish Palestine Development Fund. (Charter, bylaws and regulations for the Fund should be written).

As for Bethlehem 2000, expatriates should organize committees to distribute the publications and information about this great event and the celebrations will take place in Palestine.

Also expatriates should help by raising funds and other means and coordinates their activities with The High Committee For Bethlehem 2000 in Palestine.

Expatriates can also help by establishing import/export companies to open markets for Palestinian products in their countries. Palestinian local businessmen stand ready for joint-venture projects with their Diaspora counterparts.

Future conferences will be held in one city either West Bank or Gaza. The Fourth Conference will be held in Ramallah/Al-Bireh Governorate.