The stone and marble sector contributes 4 percent to Palestine’s GNP and 5 percent to its GDP. Average annual sales per employee come to approximately $40,000, fivefold average productivity per employee for overall industrial activity in Palestine.

Sales grew significantly in 2005, reaching $270 million in 2005 vs. $220 million in 2004. In 2005, 32 percent went to the domestic market, 55 percent was exported to Israel, and 13 percent was shipped throughout the Middle East region, a promising market with a fast growing potential (10 percent in 2004).

The sector accounts for 25 percent of overall Palestinian industrial production and represents 4.5 percent of GDP, providing 15,000 direct jobs as well as several thousand more jobs in related industries. Production of stone rose to 14.5 million m3 in 2005, up from 12 million m3 in 2004. The technology used in this sector is mostly semi-automatic (85 percent), with some automatic equipment (15 percent). Ninety five percent of raw materials come from local sources. With sales turnover of $200 million in 2004, the stone industry plays a predominant role in the Palestinian economy.

Overall, Palestinian stone has high export potential, easily competing with the marble currently traded on world markets and available in a wide range of colours and other specifications. The Palestinian Territories occupy 12th place worldwide in this sector, accounting for 1.8 percent of world production.

Next section (Tourism)

Tuesday 13 March 2007, by AFII - ANIMA

Newsletter

Intranet

Login
Password

password forgotten?

Newsletter Inscription

Others
articles

2.1. Investing in the Palestine territories
The Palestinian Authority has created a framework of economic legislation (...)
more >>
2.2. Banking and Finance
There are currently 21 banks, including 10 Palestinian banks with total (...)
more >>
2.3. Telecommunications and Internet
Under the terms of article 36 of the Oslo II agreements, the Palestinian (...)
more >>