Bethlehem: The Palestinian government and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) signed two agreements on Wednesday worth a total of $21 million to implement a project to establish an entrepreneurship center in Bethlehem and a capacity-building project for crisis and disaster response in support of the Palestinian Civil Defense.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency, the agreements were signed at the Bethlehem Municipality headquarters by Minister of Finance and Planning Estephan Salameh, Minister of Interior Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, and Minister of Local Government Sami Hijjawi, along with Country Director of KOICA Palestine Office, Dr. Hyungue Joe.
Minister of Finance and Planning noted that the two projects, valued at approximately $21 million, represent an investment in two key areas that constitute national priorities: strengthening the capacity of Palestinian institutions to respond to crises and disasters, and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic development and job creation. He elaborated that the entrepreneurship center in Bethlehem will serve as a platform to support startups and entrepreneurs, promote innovation and competitiveness, and open new horizons for Palestinian youth.
The crisis and disaster response capacity-building project aims to develop the capabilities of the Palestinian Civil Defense, improve infrastructure and equipment, and enhance emergency response mechanisms, thereby strengthening the safety of citizens and local communities.
Youngkul Koh, the Representative of the Republic of Korea to the State of Palestine, emphasized that the signing of the agreements reflects the depth of the Palestinian-Korean partnership and his country's commitment to ongoing support for development efforts and strengthening Palestinian institutions capable of addressing challenges. He stated that investment in entrepreneurship and crisis response capacities is an investment in Palestine's future and its youth.
Koh expressed that Bethlehem will become a center for developmental transformation through the establishment of the entrepreneurship center, while the enhancement of local institutions' readiness will improve emergency response capabilities during crises. He affirmed that the Republic of Korea believes in empowering people, promoting innovation, and establishing strong institutions as foundations for true development.
The entrepreneurship center project, funded at $11 million, aims to support the innovation ecosystem by incubating startups and providing training, mentorship, and seed funding for promising ventures, thereby strengthening the local economy and creating new job opportunities. It is expected to directly benefit more than 3,150 people and indirectly benefit over 10,000 others, reinforcing Bethlehem's status as a national hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
The crisis and disaster response project, valued at approximately $10 million, represents a strategic investment in strengthening Palestine's preparedness for addressing crises and disasters. It involves establishing new Civil Defense directorates and firefighting centers, providing specialized vehicles and equipment, implementing training programs, and enhancing volunteer firefighting teams and community awareness programs.
These projects mark a significant milestone in Bethlehem's development journey and reflect the depth of the Palestinian-Korean partnership, showcasing a shared commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and strengthening national institutions for a more prosperous and sustainable future for Palestine.