Future projects
Regional Infrastructure Trunk Council (RITC)
Given the geography of the
Palestinian Territory, infrastructure must be planned with neighbouring countries.
The Portland Trust has developed a structure for coordinating the development of
regional infrastructure between Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Palestinian Territory -
the RITC. As soon as the situation allows, we believe RITC will provide an effective
means of planning the infrastructure required. We know from other conflict zones
that it takes a number of years to plan infrastructure yet donor funds are sudden and
time-limited once a political solution is reached.
Israeli Palestinian Chambers of Commerce
The Israel Federation of Bi-National Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Peres Center for Peace, the
Portland Trust and others are working to establish an Israeli-Palestinian Chamber of Commerce to promote
business opportunities, trade and cooperation between the two communities. The first constitutional meeting
took place in January 2008. Its constitution was approved by the bilateral
Chambers of Commerce in Israel in March. We anticipate its establishment in the
coming months.
Social Venture Capital Funds
Carmel Ventures and The Portland Trust are working together to establish community development funds in
Israel. The funds will promote economic development in under-invested Israeli communities through the use of venture capital
tools. We hope to create quality jobs, wealth, entrepreneurial capacity and role models.
|