Bethlehem - Ma’an - Growth in several Palestinian sectors including energy and telecommunications is expected over the next few years, a report by the US Commercial Service published Tuesday.

The Service, a division of the US Department of Commerce, highlights opportunities for American investors in emerging market.

“Over the next few years, infrastructure development, including upgrading the electricity network, will be a major growth sector of the Palestinian economy,” the report notes, adding that the insufficient power supply in Palestine “is a serious impediment to the growth of the Palestinian economy. This sector will offer opportunities to U.S. companies.”

For telecommunications, the report says “the influence of Palestinians familiar with American culture opens the door to good opportunities for American companies in establishing agents, distributors, and partners,” noting a highly education population with only 16% internet saturation.

The addition of a third telecom company, Wataniya, was cited as proof that demand for cell phones and telecom services is on the rise.

Safety Equipment

Familiarity with American-style living and standards was also cited for potential growth in the sale of safety equipment and services.

“The market for safety and security equipment in the WB/G is currently estimated at $2 million and is dominated by imports coming from Taiwan, U.K., France, and the United States,” the report said, noting a decline in purchases in 2000, but predicting a constant rise “as the political conditions improve.”

According to the publication, “The Palestinian Ministry of Interior (the Palestinian Police in particular) is the main end user of security equipment followed by banks, hotels, big companies, and foreign representative offices. Good export opportunities exist for CCTV, ID systems, data cards, surveillance systems, fire alarms, sirens, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and access control.”

IT , Educational Tools

The burgeoning IT sector was lower on the list of possibilities for American investment, but the report noted an increased demand for high-quality computer equipment and some software.

The educated population was also sourced in the possibilities for an expanded market in American educational materials, noting that as early as 2002, 7,000 Palestinians registered for information about studying in the US.

Universities in the West Bank and Gaza were also identified as possible places of market expansion, noting the 10 universities and twenty community colleges with nearly 90,000 enrolled out of a population of 4.5 million.