On March 23, 2010, the Palestinian Federation of Industries will inaugurate a week-long products exhibition of recycling industries and handicrafts producers in Gaza. Local companies demonstrate remarkable creativity and ability to adapt to the extremely difficult situation since closure of Gaza. While many businesses have been forced to shut down due to limited availability of raw materials; Gazan artisans have been able to reinvent themselves. The producers use of locally available resources such as clay, and even turn damaged materials such as broken glass into beautiful decorative and gift items.

Among the products on show are furniture; hand-made carpets and embroidered textiles and garments; pottery; and souvenirs.

The Facility for New Market Development [FNMD] is supporting 10 companies from Gaza to participate in this event; co-financing the organization and promotion of the exhibition. FNMD is a 3-year grants scheme, funded by the UK Department for International Development [DFID], with backing from the World Bank. FNMD operates offices in Ramallah and Gaza City.

The opening ceremony will take place on March 23, at 10 am, at the Rashad Shawwa Cultural Center in Gaza City. For more information, please contact PFI at +970 8 2838664.