Tuesday March 9th, 2010, Tony Blair the official Envoy of the Quartet on the Middle East met the Union of Palestinian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers, Blair was accompanied by a delegation that included advisers of the Quartet, Dr. Firas bin Raad, and Awad Daibes.

The meeting was held at Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company, where Talal Nassereddin Chairman of the Company, briefed the delegation about the Company, its production lines, growth and markets.

Blaire met with the Union’s board of directors, who briefed the guests about the Palestinian Pharmaceutical manufacturers, the great development and high credibility that this industry has achieved, the meeting also emphasized on the vital role for the pharmaceutical industry in increasing employment and developing the Palestinian economy.

Hence, The board noted the obstacles that affect the growth of this industry and which relate to the movement of goods and personnel, restrictions of movement around the cities of the West Bank, Jerusalem and the Gaza strip. In addition to the stringent policies imposed on the import of raw materials and machinery, by the Israeli Government.

Blair emphasized on the importance of making the Investment Conference that will be held in Palestine in June 2010, successful, by attracting foreign investors and promoting the development of the Palestinian economy.