Upgrading Karm Abu Salem Crossing - Gaza
Switzerland will support improving the export/import conditions of goods to and from the Gaza Strip. The project, implemented by UNOPS, will upgrade the poor infrastructure at the Palestinian side of the only functioning commercial crossing between Gaza and Israel. The existing infrastructure conditions are causing around 10% of damages to the transiting commodities thus incurring substantial economic losses that are affecting the living conditions of two million people in the Gaza Strip
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Occupied Palestinian Territory |
Employment & economic development Agriculture & food security
Tradepolicy & market system
Agricultural development |
01.10.2020
- 29.02.2024 |
CHF 870’000
|
- Other UN Organisation
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation TRADE POLICY AND REGULATIONS
AGRICULTURE
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Trade policy and administrative management
Agricultural development
Project number 7F10513
| Background | oPt unemployment rate reached 24%, and exceeds 50% in the Gaza Strip (Q4 2019) 24% of Palestinians live below the poverty line in the oPt, whilst they exceed 50% in the Gaza Strip. Since 13 years Gaza is under closure with restriction of movement of people and goods. Karm Abu Salem is the only functioning border crossing for goods. The poor infrastruture on the palestinian side leads to substantial losses and damage to products in particular food and medical products. |
| Objectives | Reduce economic losses and transaction costs at Karm Abu Salem KAS through improvement of the in-frastructure at the Palestinian side of the crossing. |
| Target groups | Direct: 5,000 -10,000 establishments1 that use KAS on regular basis for import/export purposes. The number of individuals working for these establish-ments are estimated at 50,000 – 75,0002. Indirect: Around two million people living in the Gaza Strip (50% females) |
| Medium-term outcomes | Increased protection of food and medical supplies from damage due to weather conditions, and from vandalism during export/imports at KAS. Increased level of safety and security at KAS |
| Results |
Expected results: Steel shed designed and constructed on 6,000 m2 area1,230 m fence constructed around the whole site Results from previous phases: N/A |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Credit area |
Development cooperation |
| Project partners |
Contract partner Other partners United Nations Office for Project Services – UNOPS |
| Coordination with other projects and actors | N/A |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 870’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 798’994 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.10.2020 - 29.02.2024 (Current phase) |
